Real Madrid have confirmed that midfielder Luka Modric will be out of action for approximately six weeks after test revealed the player suffered a medial collateral ligament sprain on his right knee.

The diagnosis was revealed on the club’s official website earlier this morning.

The injury took place during Madrid’s 3-1 victory over Malaga at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.

The Croatian was substituted in the 59th minute after appearing to injure his right knee following a clash with Malaga midfielder Recio.

Modric was sidelined from mid-November until March after suffering an injury during international duty and has only played in a handful of matches for Real Madrid.

His return to the starting eleven had given the club a boost in recent weeks as they looked to make a late charge towards a league and European title.

Should the timetable of Modric’s injury be correct, the midfielder would miss the rest of Real Madrid’s league fixtures, while the Croatian would have a chance of being fit in time for the Champions League final – provided the club progresses that far in the competition.

The other worrying news for Real Madrid is that Gareth Bale is facing a spell on the sidelines after the forward had to be substituted during the early stages of the club’s 3-1 win over Malaga.

Bale injured his left calf during the opening minutes and was removed from the game after only five minutes.

He was immediately replaced by Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez before being sent out for scans on his damaged leg.

While the official diagnosis will not be determined for the 24-36 hours, the fear is Bale may have suffered a muscle tear to his left calf.

The Wales international is set to undergo more tests tomorrow morning at the Hospital Sanitas La Moraleja.

The injuries to Modric and Bale couldn’t come at a worse time for Real Madrid, as they will begin preparations for Wednesday’s decisive second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals against Atletico Madrid today.

Real Madrid have not beaten their city rivals in seven meetings since claiming La Decima – their 10th European Cup – which included a 4-0 thumping in La Liga back in February.

The Champions League quarter-final is tied precariously at 0-0, with Real Madrid set to host the crucial second leg at the Bernabeu on Wednesday.