Real Madrid News
Key Real Madrid duo likely to be available for Copa del Rey final against Osasuna
Real Madrid’s 2-0 defeat at the hands of Real Sociedad this midweek meant Barcelona are just one win away from securing the league title for the first time since 2019.
But the Spanish giants will eye for a bigger fish on Saturday when they take on CA Osasuna in the final of the Copa del Rey – a trophy that has historically eluded the club in the past.
The Athletic’s Mario Cortegana has provided a team news update for Real Madrid heading into the game, suggesting David Alaba could be available for the final.
The Austrian international has endured a difficult season so far, marred by injuries. He has been out of action since the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg against Chelsea, when he was subbed off at half-time.
Even though he returned to training on Monday, Alaba was not involved in the squad against Real Sociedad in midweek. But as per Cortegana, the defender has trained well with the team and is ready to feature in the final against Osasuna.
Another player who has struggled with fitness in recent weeks is Luka Modric. The Croatian international suffered a hamstring injury against Girona and missed the subsequent matches against Almeria and Real Sociedad.
Even though he did part of the team training on Wednesday, Modric’s involvement against Osasuna was a doubt. But the Spanish journalist claims the veteran has trained well today and should make it for the final.
This could serve as a major boost for Real Madrid as they look to secure the Spanish Cup for the first time since 2014. Both Modric and Alaba are crucial elements in Carlo Ancelotti’s first-team setup, so their presence could give the Spanish giants an upper hand.
In other news, Ferland Mendy is working on the pitch, trying to get back into gear as soon as possible. But the left-back has yet to touch the ball, meaning he is most likely to be ruled out for the final.
Mendy, though, could be available for Real Madrid during the final few league matches of the season, but amid uncertainties over his future, it remains to be seen whether or not the Frenchman will see any action.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia has triggered a wave of massive establishment within the country so much so that the league has approached players like Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Sergio Ramos and even Karim Benzema.
Benzema’s departure from Real Madrid is imminent and if a report from Diaro AS is to be believed, the Frenchman contacted his former Madrid teammate, Ronaldo, to ask him for information about the Saudi league, living conditions and other teams.
All this because it is said that the legendary Frenchman has received a lucrative offer from the newly crowned Saudi Pro League champions Al Ittihad. As reported before, the star striker will earn more than €100 million per year across his two-year contract with the Saudi team.
At the moment, the Saudi government has approved all of Benzema’s requests and while it is said that he can join the team of his choice, Al Ittihad’s recent flirting had made them absolute favourites.
That said, the transfer may have taken a u-turn recently, as Benzema spoke about staying at Real Madrid for the foreseeable future.
“Speak to the fans? Speak about what? Why should I speak of the future if I’m in Madrid?”, Benzema said.
“It’s the internet speaking, and reality is not the internet.”
In a recent turn of events, Helder Costa openly spoke about Benzema’s arrival, saying that his team is ‘excited about the arrival of the Balon d’Or winner.’ As if that is not enough, a club fan also showed a Karim Benzema edit on the big screen during their title celebrations.
Meanwhile, since the transfer is not confirmed, Real Madrid continue to be uninformed of Benzema’s decision. And this remains a major problem for the team from the capital city as their summer transfer plan hinges on the continuity of the Frenchman.
At the moment, the team is said to be closing in on the signing of Joselu from Espanyol. However, it must be noted that the forward will only be arriving on a season-long loan as Madrid already have big plans for the summer of 2024, with Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe both lined up.
