Luka Modric Injury: Updates on Real Madrid Star's Groin and Return

Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric shrugged off a muscle injury to be named in Los Blancos' starting team to face Celta Vigo on Saturday.

Modric only returned to action during the Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain on Oct. 21, entering the fray for a 22-minute substitute appearance after overcoming the initial muscle problem suffered on international duty with Croatia.

As relayed by Agustin Martin of AS, Modric replaced Isco after 68 minutes in Paris and completed the match without any major issues, but he spent the next morning undergoing tests in the hospital after feeling more discomfort in the adductor muscle region of the groin.

Although Los Blancos' squad is rife with prolific goalscorers, skilful attackers and powerful runners, Modric, while slight in stature, is one of the most important members of the group. Indeed, he's the one player in the squad for whom Real arguably don't have a natural replacement.

The former Tottenham Hotspur star does an understated but stellar job in the centre of the park. His ability to wriggle out of tight situations with quick feet is remarkable, while his distribution, in-game instincts and tenacity in winning the ball back makes him one of the most complete midfield players in world football.

Every team needs a player who knits everything together, and Los Blancos' is Modric. With the critical match against Celta followed by a difficult stretch of fixtures that include PSG, Sevilla and El Clasico against Barcelona, the Santiago Bernabeu crowd will be pleased to see their creative force return.