Real Madrid’s Iker Casillas faces between six and 12 weeks out of action after fracturing a bone in his left hand last night at Valencia.
The Spain international was kicked in the hand by teammate Alvaro Arbeloa as the defender tried to clear a loose ball that the ‘keeper was also going for [see below].
Forced off the pitch with the injury, Casillas later posted an image on his Facebook page of his heavily bandaged left hand.
Tests carried out in the early hours of Thursday morning back in Madrid have since revealed that the player has fractured the base of the first metacarpal in his hand – i.e. his thumb.
The player is set for further tests today at the club to determine a course of treatment and a projected recovery period. Reports indicate that such an injury is believed to require between six and 12 weeks to recover from.
The ‘keeper commented after the game last night that he had hoped it was nothing serious.
“There was a loose ball, Alvaro has gone to clear and he’s caught me on the hand. After the knock I knew something was wrong,” reflected Casillas to reporters afterwards.
“I’m in a bit of pain. The doctor doesn’t want to make any hasty judgements, he’s seen something he doesn’t like and we’ll have to wait to analyse it in greater detail.
“We are going to perform the relevant tests to see the seriousness of the injury. I hope my injury is not serious. The team and the fact that we have qualified for the next round is what is really important.
“Because it’s a finger we have to analyse it properly. Let’s hope the results are positive but it’s the doctor that gives the orders.
“When I tried to close my fist I felt that it hurt. It just the thumb and that the fact that it has nothing to do with the wrist is good. I will try to be fit as soon as possible.”