Toni Kroos Injury: Real Madrid Midfielder Fractures Metatarsal Against Leganes

Real Madrid have been rocked by the news that Germany international Toni Kroos could be set for six weeks on the sidelines after suffering a fractured metatarsal against Leganes on Sunday.  

Los Blancos confirmed that Kroos picked up the injury in the 3-0 win on their official website following tests conducted in Germany on Tuesday. Spanish football journalists Dermot Corrigan and Graham Hunter relayed the news from Real's announcement:

Sport English provided the expected time frame for his recovery, which "will continue to be monitored," according to Real:

The central operator—who joined Los Blancos in 2014—was hugely influential in his first season in the Spanish capital, becoming a regular starter for ex-manager Carlo Ancelotti. Kroos made 36 appearances in La Liga, scoring twice and providing seven assists, according to WhoScored.com.

However, the 2014-15 campaign finished disappointingly for the former Bayern Munich player, with Barcelona sweeping all trophies available to them and Ancelotti's reign terminated by president Florentino Perez. 

The player once again celebrated silverware with Real last term, though, as Los Blancos collected their 11th UEFA Champions League crown at the expense of local rivals Atletico Madrid. The German was key to their success and started 11 games in Europe, per WhoScored.

Corrigan highlighted his importance to Los Blancos this year:

Kroos is a shrewd operator, and he has the class to be Madrid's mainstay in central midfield for many years. 

However, as the likes of Wesley Sneijder and Co. experienced before him, the managerial changes at the Santiago Bernabeu will always disturb consistency. 

The player suffered a succession of minor injuries during his time in the Bundesliga, and Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane will hope he is available for selection in the near future after the latest setback.  

Kroos has developed into one of the greatest midfielders on the continent, and Los Blancos look a poorer team without him in their ranks.