Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric has expressed hope that he will return from a knee injury before the end of the season.

The Croatian has already missed a large chunk of the season with a hamstring problem, but is now facing a further six weeks on the sidelines after picking up a knee ligament injury against Malaga on Saturday.

It had been claimed that the 29-year-old's season was over, but the midfielder has revealed that he could yet return this term.

"I felt dizzy the moment I took the knock," Modric told Sportske Novosti. "It really hurt a lot. I knew it was something serious. I am so sad that I've been injured again - and this time at the most important stage of the season.

"But I have to keep my chin up and work hard again to get fit again. I spent four or five months fighting to get back on the pitch and it all looked great. I felt I was getting back to my best but then came more trouble.

"But if I keep whining, it will only make things worse, so I'll keep my head up and go to work. My goal now is to be back before the end of the season. Maybe I can recovery quickly and still play some league matches. I will try my hardest."

Gareth Bale is also on the sidelines for Real Madrid with a calf problem.