Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric could be sidelined for up to three months after injuring his left thigh while playing for Croatia in a 1-1 draw with Italy, press reports said Tuesday.

Modric hobbled off just before the half-hour mark of the Euro 2016 Group H qualifier at a packed San Siro on Sunday and was replaced by Inter Milan midfielder Mateo Kovacic.

"Modric, three months KO," headlined Spain's top sports daily Marca, whils rival As cited "experts" as saying he would not play again this year and would be sidelined for between six and eight weeks.

Real Madrid confirmed that Modric had torn a muscle in his thigh, but gave no estimate of how long he would be out of action for.

If the press reports are confirmed Modric would miss several league games as well as Real Madrid's two remaining Champions League games away to FC Basel on November 26 and at home to Ludogorets on December 9.