Already completely out of favour under Alvaro Arbeloa, Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos is now also dealing with physical problems after suffering discomfort in his right ankle.
According to a report from MARCA, it has come to light that the Spanish midfielder trained individually indoors today, working in the gym instead of joining the rest of the squad on the pitch.
The issue officially places him among Real Madrid’s growing injury list, which already includes players such as Dani Carvajal, Arda Guler, Ferland Mendy, Eder Militao and Rodrygo.
Yet internally, the latest setback is not expected to have any effect on Real Madrid’s plans in any significant way.
Why is that?
The reality is that Ceballos had already disappeared entirely from Arbeloa’s sporting plans long before the ankle discomfort emerged.
The midfielder has not played a single minute since recovering from injury at the start of April, despite being medically available for selection.
His absence from recent matchday squads against Real Betis and Espanyol only intensified speculation surrounding his deteriorating relationship with the coaching staff.
Ceballos is set to leave Real Madrid. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
As such, reports continue to point toward major tension between player and manager throughout the season.
What initially started as disagreements over role and playing time has escalated into a much more serious confrontation in recent weeks, creating a situation that now appears impossible to repair.
Sources close to the club believe the relationship between Ceballos and Arbeloa has completely broken down, and even a potential managerial change would not alter the midfielder’s future.
At this stage, Real Madrid and the player have made peace with the fact that a separation this summer is inevitable.
Although Ceballos remains under contract until 2027, the midfielder has already accepted that this will be his final season at the club.
Madrid, meanwhile, are prepared to facilitate his departure as part of their squad restructuring process, as they also see practical benefits in moving on from him.
