Real Madrid News
Just in: Real Madrid duo out of Atletico Madrid, Barcelona encounters due to injury
In a major blow, Real Madrid duo David Alaba and Rodrygo Goes have been ruled out of the upcoming matches against Atletico Madrid and Barcelona due to injuries.
Alaba and Rodrygo both picked up injuries earlier this week during Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first-leg tie against Liverpool at Anfield.
The pair did not show up to training today with the rest of the team, and now Sergio Valentin has come up with an update on their conditions.
As per the report, Alaba, who had sustained a hamstring injury against Liverpool and was taken off in the first half, will be out for close to a month.
Confirming the injury, Real Madrid issued an official statement, that read: “After the tests carried out today on our player David Alaba by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a muscle injury in the distal third of the right femoral biceps. Evolution pending.”
If he is ruled out for 30 days as reported by Valentin, it would mean that the 30-year-old Austrian will miss the upcoming derby against Atletico Madrid as well as the Copa del Rey semi-final versus Barcelona on March 2.
On top of that, Alaba will also miss La Liga clashes against Real Betis and Espanyol. His involvement in the second leg against Liverpool, as well as the league Clasico on March 19, is ruled out and he would likely return after the international break.
As for Rodrygo, the Brazilian was reported to have sustained an overload in his gluteus muscle. The club confirmed the nature of his injury in a statement that read:
“After the tests carried out today on our player Rodrygo by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with an injury to the left piriformis muscle. Evolution pending.”
And Sergio Valentin is reporting that the 22-year-old forward would likely be sidelined for a period of ten days, which effectively rules him out of the derby as well as the cup semi-final.
Apart from the duo, Real Madrid are also yet to recover Ferland Mendy, who is likely to be back in training after a couple of weeks at least. However, Carlo Ancelotti did welcome back Aurelien Tchouameni into training today after he missed the past couple of games due to flu.
One of the main objectives for Real Madrid this summer was to bring in a new central midfielder capable of controlling the tempo and dictating the play from the middle.
A move for Rodri was in the works before the Spain captain decided to sign for FC Barcelona. The Merengues assessed several other options, but ended up not signing any player, with Jose Mourinho deciding to use Bernardo Silva in the double pivot.
One of the midfielders that Real Madrid were looking at as an option was Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace.
The England international has been on the club’s radar for a while now, but the Premier League club never opened the door for a summer departure.
Wharton could be on the market in 2027
However, now, according to The Guardian (h/t Bernabeu Digital), That stance could change next year, as that Palace would be prepared to consider selling Wharton during the next summer transfer window.
As mentioned already, Real Madrid have closely followed Wharton’s situation throughout the summer, although the club ultimately decided against making any further additions to their midfield.
Manchester City and Chelsea also showed serious interest in signing the England international during the summer. However, Crystal Palace were unwilling to sell, effectively ruling out a move for the midfielder.
But it appears that they could open the doors for Wharton to leave in the summer of 2027, potentially paving the way for Real Madrid to make a move.
Real Madrid continue to monitor Wharton
Real Madrid are expected to keep a close eye on Wharton’s progress ahead of the 2027 market. Should they decide they need another high-quality midfielder, the 22-year-old could once again emerge as a candidate.
Manchester City may be less likely to return for Wharton after strengthening their midfield significantly this summer.
Chelsea, however, could remain a potential competitor after failing to add a player in the position during the latest window.
For now, Wharton will remain at Crystal Palace, but the club’s willingness to consider a sale next summer means the midfielder could become a realistic option for Real Madrid in 2027.
