Real Madrid News
Injury update: Real Madrid working hard to recover midfield duo ahead of Cadiz clash on weekend
The recent international break has not been kind to Spain’s elite clubs. While Barcelona lost Gavi to a gruesome ACL tear, Real Madrid have their own set of worries as Vinicius Jr and Eduardo Camavinga join the long list of injured players.
With the likes of Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Aurelien Tchouameni already on the sidelines, the two latest additions serve as a huge blow to the manager’s plans.
Two close returns
According to an update offered by Relevo (h/t Madrid Xtra), Real Madrid are working hard to recover two stars for the team’s fixture against Cadiz on Sunday.
Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos are the two names closest to a return, and their inclusion at the weekend should not come as a surprise.
After all, both players trained inside the gym, with the physios and on the pitch with their teammates today. The medical all-clear is not very far away.
Bellingham eager to return
Real Madrid’s 2023-24 season has largely revolved around Jude Bellingham on all fronts. The youngster has fit into Carlo Ancelotti’s dynamics like a hand in a glove and is scoring goals for fun for Los Blancos.
The youngster, however, suffered a shoulder dislocation in Real Madrid’s clash against Rayo Vallecano earlier this month and did not participate in any of the team’s subsequent games.
Bellingham is itching to get back on the field and wishes to participate in Sunday’s clash at any cost. The final decision will lie with Ancelotti and his management.
Real Madrid return to La Liga action against Rayo Vallecano with little room for another slip-up, and their opponents could be without several important players at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Los Blancos arrive after opening their Champions League campaign with a 2–1 victory over Inter Milan.
Their domestic situation is less comfortable, though, after the defeat to Real Betis left them trailing Barcelona at the top of the table.
With Barça already putting together an impressive run, Real Madrid cannot afford to drop more points this early in the season.
Jose Mourinho will be looking for an immediate response when Rayo visit the capital.
The visitors, meanwhile, are dealing with a growing list of absentees.
Rayo Vallecano lose another forward
According to Mundo Deportivo, Rayo Vallecano will be without several players for the trip to Madrid, with Randy Nteka the latest addition to the injury list.
The Angolan striker suffered a muscle strain during training this week and is now expected to miss the match.
Rayo were already preparing for the game without Isi Palazon, who is recovering from a muscle injury. Goalkeeper Augusto Batalla is also unavailable after undergoing surgery for a fracture to his right tibia.
The absences do not end there. Fran Perez and Jorge de Frutos will both sit out after receiving red cards in Rayo’s previous league fixture.
Rayo manager Benat San Jose therefore faces some difficult selection decisions against a Real Madrid side that will be eager to build on its European victory.
More to the story
As per the outlet, there is also uncertainty surrounding Ivan Balliu.
The Albanian right-back picked up a heavy challenge in Rayo’s last match and his ankle is now badly bruised. San Jose has not ruled him out, but the defender faces a race against time to be fit.
“His ankle is badly bruised, but he’s a tough one and is doing everything he can to be fit.”
Real Madrid cannot afford another La Liga setback
For Real Madrid, the Champions League victory over Inter provided a positive response after the Betis defeat, but domestic consistency is now the priority.
Barcelona’s early form has already created pressure at the top of the table, making every dropped point more costly.
Rayo’s depleted squad should make life more difficult for San Jose, although Real Madrid still have to turn that advantage into three points.
