Real Madrid star James Rodriguez set to miss FIFA Club World Cup

Published Dec. 9, 2014 5:33 a.m. ET

foxsports

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti does not expect injured winger James Rodriguez to recover in time for the FIFA Club World Cup.

Rodriguez got hurt during Saturday's 3-0 victory over Celta Vigo and tests done by his club revealed Rodriguez has a grade one muscular injury in his right calf.

Real have not given an indication of the player's recovery period but the Colombian international is expected to be ruled out until the new year.

When asked if Rodriguez will be fit for the Club World Cup - Real travel to Morocco for their first match of the competition on December 16 - Ancelotti told Spanish TV station Cuatro. "It's difficult to recover from a calf injury."

Rodriguez's absence is a blow for Ancelotti, with the former FC Porto star having proved crucial since joining the Bernabeu outfit from Monaco this summer after his impressive World Cup in Brazil.

The 23-year-old, winner of the World Cup Golden Boot, has scored five goals and set up five more in 14 league appearances for the European champions.

Rodriguez will sit out Tuesday's Champions League match against Ludogorets as well as Friday's La Liga game at Almeria.

The South American is expected to recover in time for Real's opening game of 2015, a trip to the Mestalla stadium to face Valencia on January 4.