Real Madrid News
Injury update: Real Madrid midfielder ruled out of first leg vs Man City
When the news of Luka Modric’s injury first broke after Real Madrid’s clash against Girona, Carlo Ancelotti had one player singled out to replace the veteran for the crucial games against Osasuna and Manchester City. In fact, he even went on to publicly name his candidate in his press conference before the Almeria clash.
“The one I see as the most similar in terms of characteristics is Ceballos.”
Ironically, however, the Spanish international was ruled out of the Copa del Rey final through discomfort in his right thigh. The situation also saw a complete reversal when Luka Modric played part in the final ten minutes and the player slated to be his replacement sat on the sidelines.
According to reports from MARCA, Ceballos’ injury is worse than initially expected. The midfielder will miss the midweek clash against Manchester City and the subsequent outing against Getafe. The earliest he could return is the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinal.
The Spanish international’s absence for the coming week is a big blow to Carlo Ancelotti’s side. After all, he is the player the coach trusts most to play as an interior after Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.
Ceballos’ stocks have grown in the second half of the season and he now regularly features week-in and week-out for Los Blancos. Needless to say, he is a more than able impact player off the bench for Ancelotti.
The 26-year-old has made 25 appearances for the Merengues in La Liga this season in addition to his six UCL starts. In that duration, he has racked up three assists and averages one key pass per game.
Ceballos may not have played a part in Saturday’s Copa del Rey final but he was one of the main reasons his side even stood on the grass that night. After all, it was his cameo against Villarreal that turned the tide and helped Real Madrid come back from two goals down.
Real Madrid youngster Endrick continues to attract interest from several clubs ahead of another potential loan move in the upcoming January transfer window.
The latest side considering a move for the Brazilian forward is Aston Villa.
Indeed, according to reports relayed by Bernabeu Digital, the Premier League club are interested in signing the Real Madrid striker on loan in January.
No minutes for Endrick
Endrick has had very limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season. Across Real Madrid’s nine matches in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the Brazilian has played just four minutes, coming on in the 86th minute against Elche.
Such limited playing time has left the young forward struggling to gain the minutes and experience needed to develop his talent at Real Madrid.
As such, another loan move, like last January when he left for Olympique Lyon, could offer him a chance to play more regularly and continue his progression.
Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have now emerged as an interested party to acquire the Brazilian international’s services on loan for the second half of the season.
AC Milan also interested in Endrick
Howver, Aston Villa are not the only club monitoring Endrick’s situation. AC Milan have also renewed their interest in the Brazilian forward.
The Rossoneri already held an interest in the 20-year-old forward during the summer transfer window and are knocking on the doors once again now.
In fact, some reports in Italy even go on to suggest that the youngster is ready to pounce on the opportunity to sign for the Serie A giants.
For now, however, there have been no concrete developments or formal approaches from any interested club.
Real Madrid are understood to be open to allowing Endrick to leave on loan, but they are not considering a permanent sale as they still have a lot of faith in the promising attacker whom they signed from Palmeiras.
With Aston Villa and AC Milan both interested, the coming months could prove important in determining where the young Brazilian will continue his development.
