Real Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid squad list to face Espanyol
As we head into the third gameweek of La Liga, Real Madrid already look well-placed to defend their crown. They berated Celta Vigo 1-4 away from home, and will now make the trip to Catalunya to take on Espanyol.
Carlo Ancelotti does not have a 100% fit squad at his disposal for this game, with Jesus Vallejo and Alvaro Odriziola out injured, while Nacho also misses out.
Dani Carvajal, Ferland Mendy, David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger, and Eder Militao round off a five-man defence.
Ancelotti does, however, have the entire midfield ready for the clash. Toni Kroos returns after suffering from flu, joining his forever midfield partner Luka Modric.
Rodrygo, too, has made his way back into the team after missing the opening two games. He will have to claw his way into the starting lineup, fighting Federico Valverde for the right-wing spot.
As for Marco Asensio, he continues to be included in the squad list until Los Blancos can find a definitive solution for his immediate future. The same holds for out-of-favour striker Mariano Diaz as well.
📋✅ Our squad for #EspanyolRealMadrid! pic.twitter.com/7Tt1y15rr5
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) August 27, 2022
Real Madrid have finally received some good news as MARCA confirms that Nacho has finally made his decision about his future, and is set to continue at the club for the foreseeable future.
His contract expires in the summer, and Real Madrid had tabled an extension for the player, which was not accepted by the Spaniard at the time. Now, however, he has decided to reject offers from Juventus, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and AC Milan.
Nacho will sign a one year extension, with the option to extend for another year if both parties reach an agreement.
His continuity also means that he will be the new club captain for the 2023/24 season, since Karim Benzema is leaving the club on a free transfer in the summer. Luka Modric will be second captain, followed by Daniel Carvajal and Toni Kroos.
Carlo Ancelotti has also spoken to the player, confirming that they trust him for next season in the team, which has gone a long way in helping convince the player.
The Italian gaffer also spoke about the Spanish defender’s contract situation after the game against Athletic Club yesterday, saying:
“Asensio, Nacho and Ceballos? We have explained them their roles. The club have offered them renewals. Asensio has preferred to leave, Ceballos and Nacho are still thinking about it.”
While a centre-back by trade, Nacho has played across the defence for Madrid continuously, including putting shifts at left-back, right-back, and even centre-back.
His departure would have probably pushed Madrid to sign another defender, especially since they are considering selling Ferland Mendy if a good offer arrives.
Regardless of that, though, Madrid are moving to sign Alphonso Davies, and have already made initial contacts with the player. Bayern Munich have not rejected their advances.
Further, the los blancos management have already met with Davies’ entourage twice, cementing their interest in the Canadian ace.
