Madrid injury crisis grows as Kroos injured vs Valencia

The German midfielder was substituted for Asier Illarramendi midway through the first half, making him a doubt for Real Madrid's Champions League decider against Juventus

Real Madrid's midfield crisis continued as Toni Kroos was forced off with an injury against Valencia on Saturday, making him a major doubt to face Juventus in their Champions League semi-final decider.

The Germany international has been a constant figure in the Blancos' first team, starting in all but two of their Liga matches since joining from Bayern Munich last summer, but only lasted 25 minutes against los Che before landing awkwardly in a challenge and being replaced by Asier Illarramendi.

If Kroos' injury is more than just a minor knock, Carlo Ancelotti will be without him for Madrid's crucial European clash with Juve on Wednesday in which they trail 2-1 after the first leg in Turin.

Ancelotti has already been forced to play Sergio Ramos in an unorthodox midfield role due to Luka Modric's injury - though he reverted to a 4-3-3 to push the Spaniard back into defence against Valencia - and Kroos' absence is likely to exacerbate the reigning European champions' woes.

Shortly after Kroos was withdrawn from the action at the Santiago Bernabeu, Javi Fuego added to Paco Alcacer's opener to leave Madrid's La Liga hopes hanging in the balance.

Barcelona's 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad earlier in the day left Madrid needing a victory to ensure they do not fall five points behind in the title race.