Real Madrid News
Injury update: Real Madrid superstar hopes to return for Osasuna clash next week
Real Madrid have been rocked by several injury problems over the past few weeks. Ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final against Al Ahly later tonight, Los Blancos were without as many as six players, including captain Karim Benzema.
The list has grown to seven as Marco Asensio has also joined Benzema, Eder Militao, Thibaut Courtois, Ferland Mendy, Lucas Vazquez and Eden Hazard on the treatment tables.
The 27-year-old winger is struggling with discomfort in his left adductor and will thus miss the game tonight. However, he is expected to stay back in Morocco in hope that he can recover in time for the finals on Saturday, provided Real Madrid qualify.
But, according to Miguel Angel Diaz of COPE, there is no hope of Courtois, Benzema, or Militao becoming fit in time for the Club World Cup final on Saturday.
This comes after reports had claimed that the trio could travel to Rabat in case Los Blancos secure a place in the finals of the tournament where they would face Al Nassr, who defeated Flamengo last night.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti had also hinted at that possibility during his press conference yesterday, saying: “All three are on the list because it means they can recover for the final. We’ll see, we preferred to leave them in Madrid to follow the best treatment. We’ll see if they’re ready for Saturday’s game.”
However, according to the aforementioned report, that is no longer a possibility. All three are expected to miss the final should Real Madrid qualify.
Furthermore, Miguel Angel Diaz provides an update on Benzema’s situation, stating that the superstar is hopeful of returning to the squad for the match against CA Osasuna next Saturday.
It means that the 35-year-old centre-forward is all set to miss out on the game against Elche next midweek. With no proper backup for Benzema in the squad, Real Madrid have felt the brunt of it as the striker has struggled with fitness problems.
The Frenchman has already missed nine matches across all competitions with injuries and Ancelotti will hope that he is able to make a swift return.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Brazilian national team are ‘dreaming’ of appointing Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti as their next manager.
The Selecao decided to part ways with Tite after the team underdelivered in the FIFA World Cup 2022. Ramon Menezes has taken charge of the senior team for the time being until a permanent appointment is made.
And, the Brazil Football Confederation is clear about who their preferred target is. Ancelotti has been heavily linked with the South American nation in recent months and comments from players like Ederson, Rodrygo Goes and Vinicius Jr have only served to further fuel the rumours.
Now, Romano is claiming that Brazil dream of naming Ancelotti as their manager and are hoping that he will be parting ways with Real Madrid at the end of the season.
As far as the situation at the club is concerned, Romano states that Real Madrid are working hard to protect Ancelotti from external pressure as they want him to remain focused on winning the UEFA Champions League this season.
The Italian tactician remains in 100% control of the team at the moment and the club are trying to shield him from external factors.
However, at the same time, trophies are a must at a club of this stature and hence, Romano adds that Real Madrid have a potential list of candidates to take over.
Thomas Tuchel was among the names on the list, but has signed for Bayern Munich. Raul Gonzalez, currently in charge of the Castilla team, is also being looked at along with former Tottenham and PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino.
As of now, Ancelotti remains in control of things at Real Madrid and any decision on his future will only be made at the end of the season. And, Brazil are lying in wait to pounce if an opportunity to sign the Italian manager presents itself.
