Steve Nicol slams Zinedine Zidane's comments on Real Madrid's title chances after a scoreless Madrid derby.
Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos' broken nose will keep him out of Tuesday's Champions League group game at Apoel Nicosia, with Keylor Navas, Gareth Bale and Mateo Kovacic also still on the club's injured list.
Ramos suffered the injury when he was caught in the face by the boot of Atletico Madrid defender Lucas Hernandez when stooping for a header in Saturday's 0-0 'derbi' draw -- a result which leaves both teams 10 points behind leaders Barcelona in the La Liga table.
Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane said last Friday he was hopeful of having first-choice goalkeeper Navas and winger Bale back with the squad soon, but both remained behind as the squad flew out to Cyprus early on Monday for a game in which they can clinch progress to the round of 16 if they win.
? This is our 20-man squad for Tuesday's Champions League match against @apoelfcofficial.#RMUCL | #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/DGUDXtqBjR
- Real Madrid C.F.?ﾟﾇﾧ (@realmadriden) November 20, 2017
When confirming Ramos' third broken nose of his career on Sunday, Madrid did not mention any expected recovery time, and while there were reports of him playing while wearing a protective facial mask as soon as next Saturday's La Liga game at home to Malaga, a more likely return date is the trip to Athletic Bilbao on Dec. 2.
Ramos himself tweeted a photo thanking fans for their support, and suggesting he would be back wearing the jersey as soon as possible.
Volvería a sangrar una y mil veces más por este escudo y esta camiseta.
Gracias a todos por el cariño y apoyo. En nada, de vuelta.
I would bleed a thousand times for this badge and this shirt.
Thanks for your support. I'll be back in no time.#HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/mCcNxoSfGV
- Sergio Ramos (@SergioRamos) November 19, 2017
"El Transistor" radio show reported that the 31-year-old cried tears of frustration in the Wanda Metropolitano dressing room at half-time on Saturday when he realised he could not play on.
Dermot Corrigan is a Madrid-based football writer who covers La Liga and the Spain national team for ESPN FC. Follow him on Twitter @dermotmcorrigan
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Source: espn.co.uk