Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™

LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE

Morata's hamstring injury could keep him out for six weeks

MADRID (Reuters) - Spain and Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata's hamstring problem could leave him sidelined for several weeks after tests with the national team revealed he has a grade two tear.

Morata's hamstring injury could keep him out for six weeks
(Reuters)

Morata had an MRI scan on Sunday after limping off during Chelsea's 1-0 Premier League home defeat by Manchester City on Saturday. According to British media reports on Tuesday, the injury could keep him out for at least six weeks.

Spain manager Julian Lopetegui on Monday called up 36-year-old Athletic Bilbao striker Aritz Aduriz to replace Morata, with the Blues forward missing Spain's final World Cup 2018 qualifying matches against Albania and Israel.

Spain are also missing injured duo Andres Iniesta of Barcelona and Dani Carvajal of Real Madrid, replaced by Las Palmas' Jonathan Viera and Real Sociedad's Avaro Odriozola, as the Group G leaders bid to earn a place at the finals in Russia.

The Spaniards are three points clear of second-placed Italy with just the two rounds of matches remaining.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Chelsea signed Morata from Real Madrid in the close season and the striker has flourished at Stamford Bridge, with seven goals in nine appearances for Antonio Conte's champions.

If Morata's worst fears are confirmed he will miss both of Chelsea's Champions League group stage matches against AS Roma and several Premier League games, including the home clash with Manchester United on Nov. 5.

(Editing by Ken Ferris)


2 min read

Published

Source: Reuters



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world