Real Madrid News
Official: Aurelien Tchouameni ruled out of Osasuna vs Real Madrid
Real Madrid have yet another concern on their hands ahead of an important week as midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has been withdrawn from the squad to face CA Osasuna later tonight.
The club have issued an official statement confirming that the French midfielder will not be travelling to Pamplona for tonight’s match due to the flu.
In his place, youngster Mario Martin has been drafted into the squad by manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Real Madrid are already without star man and club captain Karim Benzema for the trip to El Sadar. The Frenchman has been rested due to fatigue ahead of the pivotal Champions League encounter against Liverpool next Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Toni Kroos is also not part of the squad for the Osasuna clash as he is yet to recover from gastroenteritis and the midfielder is a doubt for the game against Liverpool as well.
As for Tchouameni, the 2022 FIFA World Cup finalist was expected to start for Real Madrid today against Osasuna.
However, his late withdrawal could lead to his compatriot, Eduardo Camavinga, taking up the defensive midfield slot for Real Madrid at El Sadar, potentially partnering Luka Modric and Dani Ceballos in the centre of the park.
Los Blancos will be hoping that Tchouameni is able to recover in time for the Champions League clash against Liverpool away at Anfield next week.
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.
