Real Madrid News
Injury update: Key Real Madrid superstar set to miss FIFA Club World Cup
Carlo Ancelotti and Real Madrid just cannot catch a break with injuries. Los Blancos already languish eight points behind Barcelona in the league standings and it appears that the worst is yet to come.
Karim Benzema, Eder Militao, Lucas Vazquez, and Ferland Mendy are all doubts about the upcoming games, with the latter two being ruled out for at least a month. That list just got longer in before Sunday’s game against Mallorca.
Thibaut Courtois was all set to start the match, but an injury in warm-up meant that he was replaced by Andriy Lunin. The blow was suspected to be minor, but it now appears to be worse than anticipated.
According to reports from MARCA, the Belgian will undergo tests today to determine the exact extent of his injury. However, he is expected to miss the FIFA Club World Cup this month.
Prima Facie, Courtois will be out for at least three games and the goal is for him to return in time for the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first-leg clash against Liverpool on February 21.
This is not the first time that the shot-stopper is being sidelined this season. Through sciatica, Courtois sat out close to a month last year during which Andriy Lunin established himself as a more than able backup.
The Ukrainian international is thus, once again, best placed to replace his teammate in the starting XI for the coming games. He started the game against Mallorca too but unfortunately could not do much about the goal that lost Real Madrid the tie.
Courtois has been solid for Real Madrid this season, starting 15 games and averaging less than a goal conceded per game. He makes close to 2.6 saves per ninety minutes and has overseen four clean sheets.
But as things stand, he is now set to miss the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final against Al Ahly, as well as the final, should Real Madrid qualify, while his involvement in the La Liga clash against Elche is also under doubt.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star Huijsen credits Mourinho for improved form in new season: ‘He supports me a lot’
Real Madrid will be looking to get back to winning ways in LaLiga as they take on Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
The club are coming on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis last weekend but did secure a narrow win over Inter Milan in the midweek Champions League fixture.
Heading into this game, Dean Huijsen, who has been showing a lot of promise in these early parts of the season, spoke to the club’s official media about the match ahead and how Real Madrid have been coping with the pressure early on, among other things.
Huijsen on Rayo and his defensive duties
The young centre-back was fully aware of the threat posed by Rayo and praised the opposition.
“We know that Rayo is a good team, and it’s a tough team to face, and we must give our all as we do in all matches to secure the three points, that’s the only thing that matters, and for the Bernabeu to be with us and for us all to be united,” he said.
He also detailed the defensive demands placed on him by the coaching staff led by Jose Mourinho.
“Well, what every coach asks of you: ferocity, intercepting balls, and winning one-on-one duels. He supports me a lot, and I think this helps me greatly, and defending together as a team,” he said.
On the team’s preparations for the fixture, Huijsen offered an insight into their training routine.
“We’re working on some tactics related to the opponent. And well, after that it depends on the day; we might play a mini-match among ourselves or not,” he added.
Huijsen on Mourinho and his fine form
The Spaniard was quick to credit Mourinho, with whom he previously worked at Roma, for his development and current level.
“We’ve known each other for a while, even though we spent a relatively short time together in Rome. He gave me the opportunity to make the real leap into professional football, and I’ll always be grateful to him for that,” Huijsen said.
Reflecting on his own performances, the defender was in confident mood, once again pointing to the influence of his coach and teammates.
“I think I’m in good shape. Well, I think I’m delivering a good level, and I believe that’s thanks to the coach too, as he keeps track of me and takes great care of me.”
“Well, I’m also doing my very best, and I think the teammates are supporting me too, and this is the perfect equation,” he added.
Finally, Huijsen explained how he manages his recovery amid a congested schedule.
“There are a lot of matches, so we need to recover well and stay focused on football, then you have to sleep well. And yes, on the days after the match, I also take a cold shower and a hot shower to recover better,” he concluded.
