Real Madrid captain Luka Modric has been ruled out of Thursday night's Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Mallorca, just hours before the game.
Madrid have traveled to Saudi Arabia to retain the trophy won 12 months ago.
They are favorites to progress against Mallorca, who qualified by reaching the Copa del Rey final last season, but will have to do so without an ill Modric.
The 39-year-old midfielder is confirmed to have come down with a viral infection and will leave the game. There is no indication of when he might make a full recovery, but the uncertainty also serves to make Modric a doubt for Sunday's Super Cup final – if Madrid get there.
Barcelona await the final, which is being played in Saudi Arabia for the fourth year in a row, after defeating Athletic Club in the host city of Jeddah on Wednesday night.
The Catalans hold the record for all-time Super Cup wins, with 14. Madrid are just one behind with 13 and will be level with their fiercest rivals if they can go all the way again. Last year's final resulted in a 4-1 win for Madrid, while Barcelona prevailed 3-1 in 2023.
Carlo Ancelotti has suggested that the Super Cup is an important trophy because of the moment that usually follows it – Madrid have gone on to win both League AND Champions League within a few months of the two most recent January triumphs.
“It's the first competition of the year and we won it in 2022 and 2024. It gave us motivation and that's what we hope for this Super Cup: to bring us motivation and commitment for the rest of the season.” Ancelotti he said while addressing the media in the building.