Casemiro eager to return to Real Madrid action but admits he needs to be patient

Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro has claimed that he would like to return to action as soon as "tomorrow" but added that Los Blancos fans will need to wait as his injury requires patience. Meanwhile, the Brazilian didn't hesitate to reveal his admiration for opponents such as Barcelona star Sergio Busquets or the Atletico Madrid duo formed by Gabi and Tiago.

The 24-year-old midfielder was diagnosed with a fracture to the central third of his left fibula last month, amid suggestions he could be out of action for up to two months. Casemiro says that he is working hard to return to action as soon as possible, but suggested that the comeback is still far off.

"It hurts a lot and is complicated because it has no treatment, the bone has to heal by itself," the Real Madrid star said during an interview with Onda Cero. "Every night I use a magnet that provides a current. I can do many things in the pool to keep my fitness. If it were up to me, I would return tomorrow, but it is a complicated injury."

The Brazilian has been badly missed at the Santiago Bernabeu as Real Madrid have been held to four successive draws during his absences. Many have since questioned the club decision against signing a back-up for the Brazilian during the summer transfer window. However, Casemiro believes that the current squad have what it takes to turnaround the situation without him.

"We have had a lot of bad luck. Marcelo, Modric and Sergio Ramos have also been injured," he said. "But we have an incredible squad [to cope without me]."

"We don't change our game if I'm unavailable, the other day, for example, [Toni] Kroos played my position without any problems. Zidane tried to do the same. Obviously it is a little bit different because we have different characteristics but the way the team plays doesn't alter."

Meanwhile, Casemiro revealed his admiration for his Barcelona counterpart Sergio Busquets despite the big rivalry between both clubs.

"Busquets is a great player. I have many things to learn from him: how he shapes the game from the back, his positioning, the balance he provided in the midfielder. He is in the top three players in the world in the number five role," Casemiro admitted while also praising Tiago, Gabi and his former Real Madrid teammate Xabi Alonso. "There are not many number fives but the best are Busquets, Tiago, Gabi... I also learn a lot from Xabi Alonso. He is also among the top."

Casemiro also predicted his compatriot Neymar would become one of the best players in the world in the near future. Yet, he points out that the Barcelona ace is still far from Cristiano Ronaldo.

"I don't see Neymar as an opponent or an enemy, but as a partner," he said but added: "Neymar has the potential but what Ronaldo's done over the past decade is impressive. Neymar is in the process. Ronaldo will surely win the Ballon d'Or this year."