Real Madrid News
Injury update: Thibaut Courtois’ participation vs Barcelona is doubtful
Upon returning from the international break, Thibaut Courtois suffered a back injury, which is undoubtedly a major loss for Real Madrid as they aim to retain their La Liga crown this season.
As the Belgian No.1’s instant classic of a display in Los Blancos’ 1-0 win in last term’s Champions League showcased, he has a case for arguably being the best goalkeeper in the world.
However, in the former Chelsea man’s absence, Andriy Lunin has proven to be an able deputy.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men have won two and drawn one match since the 30-year-old was deemed injured, with a 1-1 draw against CA Osasuna followed by successive victories against Shakhtar Donestk and Getafe.
With Real Madrid hoping to beat Barcelona in the top-of-the-table clash against Barcelona on Sunday, Miguel Angel Diaz has revealed that there are doubts that Thibaut Courtois will be fit in time for the contest.
If Xavi’s side defeat Celta Vigo on Sunday night, they will maintain their lead at the summit of the table via a superior goal difference.
While Los Merengues certainly have the minerals to beat the Blaugrana, the potential absence of a gamechanger such as Courtois could prove to be the difference maker between both sides.
With Barça having one of the best forward lines within their ranks, they are bound to cause Real Madrid problems at the back, despite their solid record at the back.
As a result, the absence of one of the best shot-stoppers on the planet could prove to be a huge blow to the side from the Spanish capital.
From the club’s perspective, the hope remains that Courtois returns to full fitness imminently, especially during such a busy October period before the 2022 World Cup commences.
Real Madrid are looking towards a heavy splurge in the coming summer transfer window. After all, they do not even have another option given the sheer number of player departures already finalized.
Los Blancos have lost the services of Karim Benzema, Marco Asensio, Mariano Diaz, and Eden Hazard over the past week. While three of the four players predominantly featured on the bench, their presence in the squad gave Carlo Ancelotti’s side much-needed depth and a cushion of sorts.
The forward unit is, thus, the most prioritized department ahead of the transfer window. However, pieces are beginning to fall apart on other fronts and could potentially put the club in a difficult situation.
According to reports from Gianluca Di Marzio, Juventus are eyeing Lucas Vazquez and hope to sign him in the coming month. Contacts between the two parties have begun and the transfer fee discussed appears to be around the €6 million to €8 million ballpark given that he has just one year left on his contract.
The player, for his part, is willing to sign for the Italian giants given his relative lack of minutes at the Santiago Bernabeu. At 31 years of age, he understandably does not want to play a second-fiddle role.
Vasquez played part in 23 of Real Madrid’s 38 La Liga games last season, starting only on 12 occasions. Even in his few appearances, he averaged a mere 50 minutes per game.
The veteran completed the season with four goals and an assist to his name. Further, he averaged five defensive actions and a key pass in every game and feels hard done by his limited role.
Vazquez’s departure would place the club in a tricky situation as it would leave Real Madrid with only Dani Carvajal as a natural right-back option. Nacho Fernandez could, in theory, serve as the backup but a new signing for the position cannot be ruled out.
