Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso suffered a perforated left eardrum when he took a knock in Sunday's game against Valencia, the club said Monday.
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"After undergoing medical tests it has been found that Xabi Alonso has a perforated left eardrum as a result of a blow received in the match against Valencia," said a club medical report released online.
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Real Madrid gave no details on Alonso's outlook beyond the fact it depended on the player's progress.
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Perforated eardrums usually heal on their own within two months but surgery is sometimes performed in severe cases.
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Alonso was elbowed by Valencia's French player Jeremy Mathieu in the 58th minute of Sunday's match, which Madrid won 2-3. It was Real's last game before the Christmas break.
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The player alerted club doctors when the pain in his left ear did not ease after the end of the game, and he had to return to Madrid by car instead of taking the plane due to the injury, Spain's press said.
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Real Madrid's next game is a friendly against Paris Saint-Germain on January 2 in Doha. They return to Liga competition January 6 against Celta.
This is not a good one for his club. They need him now more than ever
Two months out for Xabi Alonso will always be a big blow for Real Madrid.
5 POINTS BEHIND league leaders and now a key player is out, trying times. Bad one.