LONDON: Luka Modric and Philipp Lahm, two of the major personalities of the UEFA Champions League campaign have both been ruled out for the next three months by injury.

Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric injured his thigh playing for Croatia, pulling up midway through the first half of the hooligan-hit Euro 2016 qualyfing tie against.

A club spokesman said the former Tottenham player had torn a thigh tendon while the Croat federation said he was expected to be out until well into the new year.

A statement said: “Luka Modric will be away from the football pitch for about three months after the injury sustained in the encounter between Italy and Croatia.”

At least Madrid, who lead the Spanish league, have already qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League with a 100pc record from their four games.

Bayern Munich captain Lahm fractured an ankle in training ahead of the Bundesliga leaders’ weekend game against Hoffenheim.

Pep Guardiola’s men, unbeaten in the league, visit Manchester City in the Champions League next week.

Lahm, 31, had to be carried off on a stretcher after the training accident, which the club said did not involve another player.

#############