Real's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates his goal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Levante at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, March 9, 2014. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki) (The Associated Press)
MADRID – Real Madrid defender Alvaro Arbeloa will be sidelined for nearly two months by a knee injury that could cost the right back a spot on Spain's World Cup roster.
Arbeloa said his right knee is worse than he thought "but if everything goes well, I'll be out from six-to-eight weeks."
The 31-year-old has been a regular for Spain since it won the 2008 European Championship, but was left out of coach Vicente del Bosque's last roster.
"Hopefully I make it back in time to play in the Champions League final if Madrid make it and the World Cup if I'm picked," Arbeloa said.
Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said Friday that Dani Carvajal will take over for Arbeloa, who has one goal from 28 appearances for the Spanish leaders.
"Arbeloa's absence is a big loss for us," Ancelotti said. "We've worked with Nacho (Fernandez) at the position in case Carvajal gets injured. Nacho is a quality player who can play that role, as can Sergio Ramos as a last option."
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