Dani Ceballos admits defeat in efforts to overcome ankle injury and make Spain’s Olympic final against Brazil as Real Madrid man says he will support team’s gold medal bid from the sidelines in Tokyo
Dani Ceballos has been unable to overcome his ankle injury to make Spain’s Olympic Games gold medal match against Brazil.
The Real Madrid midfielder, who spent the last two seasons on loan at Arsenal, suffered the injury in the opening game of the group stage against Egypt.
The 24-year-old’s ankle swelled up following a nasty challenge by Egypt’s Taher Mohamed that left him wincing in pain.
Dani Ceballos has been ruled out of Spain’s Olympic football final against Brazil on Saturday after he failed to recover from an ankle injury suffered in their first group game with Egypt
The Real Madrid star’s ankle was damaged by Taher Mohamed, before it swelled up badly
Ceballos was able to limp off the field but hasn’t played any further part in the tournament.
Originally hoping to be fit again for the knockout stages, Ceballos didn’t recover in time and now he is going to miss Saturday’s final as well.
He wrote on his social media accounts: ‘I’ve worked hard with this incredible medical team in order to get back playing in this tournament which I really wanted to play in, but it wasn’t to be.
‘Tomorrow it’s time to support the team differently. Let’s go for the gold. Thank you all.’
Ceballos will now focus on getting over the injury in time for the new season with Real Madrid
Ceballos ended up playing just 45 minutes of Spain’s Olympic football campaign
Where Ceballos, 25, plays next season remains uncertain with Real Madrid looking to trim their bloated squad and cut the wage bill.
Having been away at Arsenal for two years, Ceballos may well be billed as a ‘new signing’ for manager Carlo Ancelotti when the season kicks off.
Spain last won Olympic gold in men’s football at the Barcelona 1992 Games, though they lost in the 2000 final.
They have been far from convincing, winning just one and drawing two of their group matches before needing extra time to overcome the Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals and Japan in the semis.
Brazil, who are seeking to defend their 2016 title, needed penalties to overcome Mexico and reach the final.
