Real Madrid are no doubt regretting playing Luka Modric through his knee injury, although there will be more than a touch of relief if the Croatian is fit for the trip to Atletico Madrid next month.
Worryingly, the arthroscopy undertaken on Modric's left knee, which was initially thought to be avoidable, in fact showed the extent of the damage suffered in the win over Espanyol some weeks ago.
Therefore it's not just this international break, but the next one on November 7 that's required for the injury clear up enough so that the player's 100 percent ready to return to the pitch.
LaLiga will be back on November 20 with the crucial derby against Atletico marked down as Modric's comeback fixture, knocking him out for the next six games.
Although Real will expect to surpass their Champions League encounters with Legia Warsaw in that time, tricky league matches against Real Betis, Athletic Club, Alaves, and Leganes may end up serving as further evidence as to why Los Blancos desperately need Modric fit and fighting.
