Real Madrid have confirmed that midfielder Dani Ceballos will be sidelined for approximately seven weeks after suffering a muscle tear in the soleus of his right leg during Saturday’s 2-1 La Liga defeat to Osasuna on February 21, 2026. The injury was sustained during his brief appearance off the bench in the final stages at El Sadar, where the Spanish midfielder came on in the 82nd minute.

Injury Details and Recovery Timeline

Real Madrid’s official statement confirmed the diagnosis following medical examinations conducted immediately after the match. While the club stated his return would depend on recovery progress, COPE reports indicate a seven-week absence, potentially keeping Ceballos sidelined until mid-April 2026. The injury further deepens Real Madrid’s midfield crisis during a crucial period of the season.

Aspect	Information
Player	Dani Ceballos (Spanish midfielder, 29 years old)
Injury Date	February 21, 2026
Match	Real Madrid 1-2 Osasuna (El Sadar)
Entry Time	82nd minute (as substitute)
Injury Type	Soleus muscle tear in right leg
Diagnosis Date	February 22, 2026
Recovery Duration	Approximately 7 weeks
Expected Return	Mid-April 2026 (estimated)
Medical Team	Real Madrid Medical Services
Official Statement	Injury confirmed via club communication

Matches Ceballos Will Miss

Competition	Key Fixtures
La Liga	Getafe (Feb 24), Atletico Madrid derby, Valencia, Celta Vigo, Villarreal
Champions League	Benfica (Feb 25), Round of 16 potential ties
Copa del Rey	Remaining fixtures depending on advancement
International	March international break (Spain)
Estimated Total	12-15 matches across all competitions

The Incident and Context

Ceballos came on as a substitute in the 82nd minute of the encounter at El Sadar. During his brief eight-minute appearance, the midfielder made a critical error in possession that directly contributed to Osasuna’s winning goal. The loss ended Real Madrid’s eight-game winning streak and marked Osasuna’s first victory over the Whites since 2011.

Reports indicate Ceballos was experiencing pain in his leg during the final moments of the match when the injury occurred. He reportedly felt discomfort even while making the error that led to Osasuna’s winning goal, though he continued playing until the final whistle.

Real Madrid’s Midfield Crisis Deepens

Ceballos’ injury compounds significant midfield concerns for Real Madrid. Jude Bellingham, another crucial midfielder, remains sidelined with his own recovery not expected until April 2026. This double injury blow leaves manager Álvaro Arbeloa with severely limited midfield options during the remainder of the season.

MADRID, SPAIN – JANUARY 04: Dani Ceballos of Real Madrid CF looks with the ball during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and Real Betis Balompie at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on January 04, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images)

The absence of both Ceballos and Bellingham during the critical final stages of La Liga, Champions League knockout rounds, and Copa del Rey represents a substantial blow to Real Madrid’s title aspirations. Arbeloa now faces difficult decisions regarding midfield composition and tactical adjustments to compensate for the losses.

Performance Issues Before Injury

Despite recent opportunities to prove himself under Arbeloa, Ceballos struggled significantly against Osasuna. Beyond the error leading to Osasuna’s winner, he made additional mistakes that highlighted his inconsistency. Post-match, Ceballos apologized to fans for his poor display, taking personal responsibility for his errors.

Club president Florentino Perez has reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with Ceballos, with reports suggesting Real Madrid plan to offload the midfielder for approximately €10 million during the summer transfer window. The injury effectively ends any opportunity for late-season redemption in the eyes of the club’s hierarchy.

Academy Solutions and Rotation Options

Ceballos’ injury opens opportunities for academy players to gain first-team experience. Real Madrid’s youth system has produced several talented midfielders capable of stepping up during this critical period. Thiago Pitarch, a promising midfielder from the academy, represents one viable option with creative ability and game intelligence. Cestero, another academy prospect, has impressed in reserve team competitions and possesses the technical quality necessary to contribute meaningfully in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.

These young talents have demonstrated potential in youth competitions and could provide fresh energy to Arbeloa’s midfield during Ceballos’ absence. Arbeloa has shown willingness to trust academy talent when necessary, potentially providing these promising young midfielders with crucial minutes during the demanding fixture schedule.

Dani Ceballos central midfield of Real Madrid and Spain during the La Liga EA Sports match between Elche CF and Real Madrid CF at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero on November 23, 2025 in Elche, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

The injury landscape at Real Madrid necessitates creative squad management and potential tactical adjustments. Rather than traditional deep midfield anchors, Arbeloa may need to experiment with different formations and player combinations to maintain competitive intensity across multiple competitions.

Kylian Mbappé’s Fitness Concerns

Beyond Ceballos’ injury, Real Madrid faces ongoing concerns regarding Kylian Mbappé’s fitness. The French forward is reportedly operating at only 70% of his actual physical capacity due to persistent knee problems. The combination of Ceballos’ absence, Bellingham’s injury, and Mbappé’s reduced output creates a perfect storm of challenges for the defending La Liga champions.

FAQs

How did Dani Ceballos suffer his injury?

Ceballos suffered a soleus muscle tear in his right leg during Real Madrid’s 2-1 defeat to Osasuna on February 21, 2026. The injury occurred late in the match while he was playing as a substitute after entering in the 82nd minute.

How long will Dani Ceballos be out?

Ceballos is expected to be sidelined for approximately seven weeks, with an estimated return date around mid-April 2026. Real Madrid’s official statement indicates his return will depend on recovery progress.

Which matches will Ceballos miss?

The midfielder will miss crucial fixtures including Real Madrid’s Champions League second leg against Benfica (February 25), La Liga matches against Getafe, the Atletico Madrid derby, and potentially 12-15 matches across all competitions during his seven-week absence.

Is Ceballos the only injured midfielder at Real Madrid?

No, Jude Bellingham is also sidelined with his own injury and isn’t expected to return until April 2026. The simultaneous absence of both midfielders creates a significant challenge for manager Álvaro Arbeloa.

What are Real Madrid’s plans for Ceballos beyond this season?

Reports suggest Real Madrid plan to offload Ceballos during the summer transfer window for approximately €10 million. Club president Florentino Perez is reportedly dissatisfied with the midfielder’s performances.