Real Madrid News
Eder Militao could start for Brazil against Switzerland after another injury scare
Following reports of Neymar getting injured, the Brazil national team camp could be sweating over the fitness of another player in the form of defender Danilo.
The former Real Madrid right-back started for the Selecao last night when they beat Serbia 2-0 in their first match of the FIFA World Cup 2022.
However, according to the latest update from MARCA’s Mario Cortegana, the Juventus ace has reported some pain in his left ankle.
It is claimed that Danilo underwent tests earlier today following which he returned to the team hotel to continue his treatment instead of joining the training session.
As a result, his involvement in Brazil’s upcoming match against Switzerland on Monday is now under a cloud of uncertainty.
And should he not recover in time, Real Madrid defender Eder Militao would be in contention to replace Danilo in the Brazil starting lineup.
Militao might be a centre-back by trade but he has, in the past, played at right-back for both club and country. So, there is a possibility that Tite looks to the former FC Porto ace in the scenario that Danilo is not deemed fit enough to feature against Switzerland.
Real Madrid have three players in the Brazil squad for the World Cup. Vinicius Jr started in the game against Serbia and shone brightly while Rodrygo Goes made an appearance from the bench. However, Militao was an unused substitute on the night.
But, Danilo’s situation could open the door for him to feature against Switzerland, while Rodrygo could also get the nod from the start as Neymar is practically ruled out of the contest.
Another option for the Selecao manager will be veteran defender Dani Alves, who is part of the squad despite being 39 years old.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid midfielder trained away from the group last week, but has no injury – report
With the international break underway, several Real Madrid players have been called up for national team assignments. The stars who have not travelled for international duty have continued to work at the club’s Valdebebas training facility to prepare for the restart.
Toni Kroos is one such player who has remained in Madrid, having retired from international football back in 2021.
However, there had been concerns growing around the 33-year-old’s physical condition as he regularly did indoor work last week and was not spotted in group training with his teammates.
Now, Sergio Quirante has come up with an update on Kroos’ situation, stating that even though the midfielder largely did individual work inside the facilities over the last week, he is fine and has no injuries.
Taking advantage of the international break, the former Bayern Munich superstar is understood to have gone through an individual program to prepare for the final, decisive stretch of the 2022/23 season.
Kroos not being injured comes as a big positive for Real Madrid, ahead of important games against Real Valladolid and Barcelona within the first five days of April.
The rest of the Real Madrid midfield contingent – Luka Modric, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde, and Dani Ceballos – are all away on international duties and could return with some fatigue from the travel.
So, it is important that Kroos is fully fit and ready to go as Real Madrid look to cut down the gap to the top of the table in La Liga and also make it to the finals of the Copa del Rey by overturning a first-leg deficit against Barcelona in the semi-finals.
Kroos has played 37 matches this season, chipping in with two goals and five assists in the process. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, it is still unclear whether he will renew or hang up his boots.
