Real Madrid News
Manchester City not giving up on key defender’s return vs Real Madrid – report
A recent report from ESPN (h/t Madrid Zone) indicates that Manchester City are staying optimistic regarding the possibility of Kyle Walker being available for their upcoming match against Real Madrid.
Despite their optimism, it is worth noting that the chances of the England international actually participating in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie seem quite slim.
Interestingly enough, Guardiola, who recently confirmed that Walker will be absent from their upcoming match against Crystal Palace, wants the right-back’s availability to thwart the threat that Vinicius Jr will pose.
Man City sweating over Walker’s fitness
Walker has been absent from City’s recent matches against Arsenal and Aston Villa due to a hamstring injury sustained while representing England in the international break.
Although he is expected to sit out their upcoming clash against Crystal Palace this Saturday, reports suggest there’s still a glimmer of hope for his participation in the Champions League quarterfinal first leg at Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday.
Guardiola is willing to afford Walker every opportunity to prove his fitness, recognizing his importance in neutralising Real Madrid’s winger Vinicius Jr. However, the final decision rests with Walker himself, in consultation with the club’s medical team.
The basic premise of this event is that Walker might not be fully ready for Tuesday’s quarter-final match in Madrid. However, Manchester City are willing to give him the chance to demonstrate his fitness before next week’s crucial showdown fixture.
Meanwhile, it is to be noted that in the event Walker remains unavailable, Guardiola may opt for 19-year-old Rico Lewis to fill in at right-back.
The recent developments come in a sigh of relief for Real Madrid mostly because Vinicius will have a free hand to exploit the left flank.
However, despite knowing that his competition might come against a 19-year-old Lewis, Vinicius recently expressed his sympathy towards Walker, saying, “Every time a player leaves due to injury it is very sad, Walker is one of the best defenders in the world.”
Real Madrid youngster Endrick continues to attract interest from several clubs ahead of another potential loan move in the upcoming January transfer window.
The latest side considering a move for the Brazilian forward is Aston Villa.
Indeed, according to reports relayed by Bernabeu Digital, the Premier League club are interested in signing the Real Madrid striker on loan in January.
No minutes for Endrick
Endrick has had very limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season. Across Real Madrid’s nine matches in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the Brazilian has played just four minutes, coming on in the 86th minute against Elche.
Such limited playing time has left the young forward struggling to gain the minutes and experience needed to develop his talent at Real Madrid.
As such, another loan move, like last January when he left for Olympique Lyon, could offer him a chance to play more regularly and continue his progression.
Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have now emerged as an interested party to acquire the Brazilian international’s services on loan for the second half of the season.
AC Milan also interested in Endrick
Howver, Aston Villa are not the only club monitoring Endrick’s situation. AC Milan have also renewed their interest in the Brazilian forward.
The Rossoneri already held an interest in the 20-year-old forward during the summer transfer window and are knocking on the doors once again now.
In fact, some reports in Italy even go on to suggest that the youngster is ready to pounce on the opportunity to sign for the Serie A giants.
For now, however, there have been no concrete developments or formal approaches from any interested club.
Real Madrid are understood to be open to allowing Endrick to leave on loan, but they are not considering a permanent sale as they still have a lot of faith in the promising attacker whom they signed from Palmeiras.
With Aston Villa and AC Milan both interested, the coming months could prove important in determining where the young Brazilian will continue his development.
