Real Madrid News
Just in: Real Madrid veteran not in training today, ruled out of Elche clash – report
According to journalist Jose Luis Sanchez, Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos is not training with the team today due to gastroenteritis and is set to miss the La Liga clash against Elche on Wednesday.
Real Madrid were not involved in league action this past week as they were away in Morocco, participating in the FIFA Club World Cup, which they won by defeating Al Hilal in the finals in Rabat.
Kroos, who had been in the starting XI in both the Club World Cup matches against Al Ahly and Al Hilal, is currently out with gastroenteritis.
Having not participated in the final training session before tomorrow’s game against Elche, the 33-year-old midfielder is set to sit out the contest.
Kroos has featured 30 times across all competitions this season, scoring two goals and registering four assists.
Despite his advancing age, the midfielder remains a crucial part of the setup under Carlo Ancelotti. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, Los Blancos are keen to renew him for another year, although the German icon is yet to make a decision.
Along with Kroos, Ferland Mendy and Eden Hazard were also not spotted in training today as they recover from their respective injuries. Vinicius Jr was also not seen as he is set to miss the Elche clash due to suspension for accumulation of cards.
However, Jorge Picon reports that Thibaut Courtois and Lucas Vazquez started the training sessions normally, which will come as a boost for Ancelotti, although it remains to be seen if the duo will be ready in time to play tomorrow at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid eye €40 millon-rated goalkeeper as potential Thibaut Courtois replacement
Real Madrid boast one of the best goalkeepers in world football in the form of Thibaut Courtois.
However, the Belgian is already 34 and his current contract at the club expires at the end of the season.
Although Real Madrid are keen on extending his contract, they are preparing for the possibility of life beyond the veteran goalkeeper as well.
Keeping that in mind, Real Madrid are already keeping tabs on the market and monitoring potential replacements, with Diogo Costa emerging as one of the options.
Real Madrid interested in Diogo Costa
As reported by Bernabeu Digital, Costa is among the goalkeepers Real Madrid are interested in, as they look for potential replacements for Courtois.
The Portuguese international is regarded highly and has been endorsed personally by the club’s new goalkeeping coach, Nuno Santos.
Jose Mourinho is also said to be playing a key role in driving the club’s interest in Costa, who currently plies his trade for FC Porto.
At age of just 26, Costa has established himself as the firm number one for the Portugal national team, having already won almost 50 caps.
€40 million for Costa?
Acquiring the services of Diogo Costa, though, won’t be a walk in the park for Real Madrid.
The Portuguese international is valued at around €40 million, which the club might see as steep.
But given the experience and the quality Costa offers, Real Madrid do indeed see him as the ideal candidate to replace Courtois, if necessary.
Given that he is also liked by Mourinho and Santos, there is no reason why Real Madrid will be against paying that premium for the goalkeeper, especially if Courtois ends up leaving the club.
Real Madrid, though, are also open to finding an in-house replacement for Courtois, with Javi Navarro, in particular, making a lot of waves in the lower divisions.
That being said, everything indicates Courtois will sign a new contract so there shouldn’t be any immediate need for a replacement.
