GOAL

Luka Modric has given Real Madrid a boost by claiming that he could return from injury before the end of the season.

The Croatia international is expected to miss six weeks of football but is optimistic of making a rapid recovery

The midfielder sprained a ligament in his right knee in Saturday's Liga win over Malaga and the Croatian Football Federation announced the following day that the 29-year-old would be out of action for six weeks.

Madrid, by contrast, refused to put a timescale on Modric's recovery and the former Tottenham man has now explained that while he is devastated at suffering another injury just a month after recovering from a hamstring tear, he is optimistic about his chances of making a rapid recovery.

"I felt dizzy the moment I took the knock," Modric said of his collision with Malaga's Recio in an interview with Sportske Novosti. "It really hurt a lot. I knew it was something serious. 

"I am so sad that I've been injured again - and this time at the most important stage of the season. 

"But I have to keep my chin up and work hard again to get fit again. 

"I spent four or five months fighting to get back on the pitch and it all looked great. I felt I was getting back to my best but then came more trouble. 

"But if I keep whining, it will only make things worse, so I'll keep my head up and go to work. 

"My goal now is to be back before the end of the season. Maybe I can recovery quickly and still play some league matches. I will try my hardest."

Madrid, who are currently two points behind Liga leaders Barcelona, conclude their campaign with a home game against Getafe on May 24.

Modric's unavailability for the title run-in would be a major blow for Madrid, who have lost four of the 24 games they have played without the playmaker this season.