Alvaro Arbeloa ruled out of upcoming Levante clash

Alvaro Arbeloa

Spanish midfielder Alvaro Arbeloa has been ruled out of Real Madrid’s La Liga match against Levante on Sunday due to a minor knee injury. The club has revealed that the Spanish international will be rested for the match following a cracked patella which occurred during last week’s derby match against Atletico Madrid. The defender was replaced after playing 70 minutes in the match which finished 2-2.

A statement on the club’s official website on Saturday revealed: “After tests carried out this morning Alvaro Arbeloa has been diagnosed with an avulsion of the lower (part) of the right patella.”

Real coach Carlo Ancelloti rued the absence of the Spanish player ahead of the home fixture as he has been a regular part of the Madrid defence where he has made 16 appearances this season.

“Arbeloa couldn’t train due to problems with his knee. He has to rest for a few days but it’s bad news for us,” he said.

“He is very important for us because of his personality and experience.”

“Levante did well in their last few matches,” he continued. “We have to be patient and play with intensity because it won’t be easy.”