Real Madrid's Brazilian winger Rodrygo set to miss World Cup with knee injury

"Following the tests carried out today on our player Rodrygo by Real Madrid's medical services, he has been diagnosed with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament and a tear of the lateral meniscus in his right leg," said Los Blancos in a statement.

Rodrygo appeared as a substitute in Madrid's 1-0 home La Liga defeat by Getafe on Monday, where he sustained the injury.

The 25-year-old stayed on the pitch but tests revealed the severity of his injury on Tuesday.

Rodrygo had only just returned to action after a month out with tendonitis.

Carlo Ancelotti, formerly Rodrygo's coach at Real Madrid, will not be able to call on the forward for record five-time winners Brazil's bid to secure a sixth World Cup trophy this summer in the United States.

Real Madrid will also miss the forward, particularly with French superstar Kylian Mbappe currently sidelined because of a knee sprain.

Alvaro Arbeloa only has three fit attackers available, in Vinicius Junior, Gonzalo Garcia and Franco Mastantuono, ahead of next week's Champions League last 16 clash against Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabeu.