Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric is set to be out of action for up to six weeks with a knee injury, which means he is could miss the rest of the La Liga season.
Modric, 29, would also face a race against time to feature in the Champions League final should Madrid reach the Berlin final on June 6 to defend their crown.
The Croatia international underwent tests on Sunday morning, confirming the club's worst fears of a medial collateral ligament sprain on his right knee.
The official communique from the club on their website confirmed the medical verdict: "After tests carried out this morning on Luka Modric at the Hospital Sanitas La Moraleja by the club's medical services, the diagnostic confirms that the player has a sprain on the medial collateral ligament in his right knee."
Both Modric and Gareth Bale were forced off injured in Saturday night's 3-1 win at home to Malaga. Bale will undergo tests on Monday at the same hospital.
Modric has suffered an injury-ravaged season, making just 16 starts in La Liga. He only returned from a four-month injury layoff last month after suffering a hamstring strain on international duty.
Carlo Ancelotti's men are back in action on Wednesday when they host Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League quarterfinal tie, having drawn the first meeting 0-0. In the league, where they trail leaders Barcelona by two points, Real have six games left.