Real Madrid News
Injured Real Madrid star pushing to return for Copa del Rey final vs Osasuna
Real Madrid are up against perhaps one of their most decisive weeks of the season across competitions at the beginning of May.
The men in white take on Osasuna in the final of the Copa del Rey in their second game of the month before facing off against Manchester City twice in two weeks in the semifinal of the UEFA Champions League.
A perfect run at the beginning of May would set up a fairytale finish to the season for Los Blancos. It would not only assure them of the Copa del Rey trophy but place them in the final of the UCL against either of the Milan teams. In either case, Carlo Ancelotti’s men would be the favourites to win that final.
A fully-fit squad would go a long way in ensuring the team’s dream run. However, Ancelotti suffered a big blow to his plans earlier this week when Luka Modric was ruled out through a hamstring injury.
The initial prognosis for his setback was poor, and it was expected that he will miss the Cup final as well as the UCL first leg.
According to reports from AS, the Croatian is doing everything possible to recover earlier than expected. He is desperate to play a part in the Copa del Rey final, at least off the bench and targets a return against Osasuna.
Modric allegedly spent the weekend in Belgrade where he met a specialist to discuss his injury. Marijana Kovacevic, the ‘miracle doctor’ who has treated many including Novak Djokovic before is the specialist working with him.
With more personalised care to his muscles, Modric targets to halve the recovery time.
At 37 years of age, the Croatian international’s drive and perseverance to play at the highest level is nothing short of stunning. Needless to say, his ability to operate and dominate matches at this age is no longer surprising.
Real Madrid set out on a mission to change the minds of Dani Ceballos, Marco Asensio and Nacho Fernandez earlier this week. After all, all three players were contemplating a departure from the club for a gross lack of minutes.
Los Blancos’ latest approach seems to have impacted Ceballos’ position in a positive fashion. However, Fabrizio Romano reveals that it has not changed Marco Asensio’s mind.
According to the Italian journalist, the Spaniard will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season as a free agent.
Of the numerous options on his table, he sees Aston Villa and PSG to be the best bets. In fact, Villa have already submitted their opening bid for the player as revealed by Fabrizio Romano once again.
After a dramatic final day of action in the Premier League, Aston Villa finished in the European spots and will participate in the UEFA Conference League next season. While a move to the English club would be a steep step down, it will see Asensio receive regular playing time.
Paris-Saint Germain, on that front, appears the more probable destination. The French club are close to losing both Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr ahead of the new season, and Asensio would thus fit in as a starting quality winger. Moreover, they offer Champions League football.
The Spaniard’s role at Real Madrid this season has not been minor by any means considering his contributions. In 30 La Liga appearances, the 27-year-old has scored nine goals and provided six assists in addition to creating nine big chances and averaging 1.4 key passes per game.
However, that does not satisfy the winger who wishes to be a starter week in and week out. His departure in June appears to be now written in stone, and the club should feel hard done to not make a penny of his move.
Many in Los Blancos’ administration see Brahim Diaz as a direct replacement for the Spanish international if he leaves. Needless to say, the AC Milan star’s future will closely depend on Asensio’s situation.
