Real Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid squad list to face Shakhtar Donetsk
Real Madrid will lock horns with a familiar opponent in Shakhtar Donetsk in the third matchday of the UEFA Champions League 2022/23 on Wednesday night at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Ahead of the game, Real Madrid have released the full squad list of players for the encounter against the Ukrainian giants.
As expected and confirmed by manager Carlo Ancelotti, Thibaut Courtois is not in the squad as he recovers from sciatica. The Belgian is unlikely to be rushed back into action with Los Blancos wanting him to be ready for El Clasico in two weeks’ time.
Instead, Andriy Lunin will step into the lineup in goal as he did at the weekend against Osasuna. Luis Lopez and Lucas Canizares will act as his understudies.
Dani Ceballos is another notable absentee for Real Madrid, with Ancelotti confirming in the pre-match presser that the midfielder has picked up a hamstring injury.
There is some positive news as well, as Lucas Vazquez has returned to the squad after missing the last three matches due to injury.
Luka Modric is also welcomed back into the fold by the Real Madrid boss after the veteran was not part of the match against Osasuna due to a minor knock. Eduardo Camavinga, who had trained in the indoor facilities on Monday, is also fit and named in the squad list.
Karim Benzema, Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo Goes, Eden Hazard, Marco Asensio and Mariano Diaz form the attacking contingent for the Spanish capital club.
📋✅ Our squad for the match 🆚 @FCShakhtar_eng!#UCL pic.twitter.com/a8T0stdZLt
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) October 4, 2022
Harry Kane has once again become the centre of attention ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.
With the forward having just 12 months remaining on his current contract at Tottenham, many expect him to leave the club at the end of the season. His situation has alerted Real Madrid, who were in contention to sign the player last summer.
However, Real Madrid are not the only club interested in the services of Kane, with the Englishman also being courted by Bayern Munich. The German giants are in the market for a top-class forward after being almost beaten by Dortmund for the Bundesliga title this term.
But according to Christian Falk, Harry Kane has decided to reject a move to Bayern Munich this summer. This is a significant boost for Real Madrid, as they continue to harbour hopes of signing the Englishman next season.
Amid growing fears over Karim Benzema’s continuity at Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid have had to step up their efforts to sign a new striker ahead of the new season.
The Spanish giants have been linked with a move for Roberto Firmino lately, with the Liverpool striker set to become a free transfer in the coming summer. But a proven superstar such as Kane could be a much better option for a club like Real Madrid.
With 280 goals in 435 matches for Tottenham, Kane has an excellent track record at the highest level of football and can help Real Madrid once again fight for the Champions League title next season while challenging Barcelona for the league crown.
But on the flip side, Real Madrid could think about the future, especially as they look to sign either Kylian Mbappe or Erling Haaland in 2024. Splashing the cash on Kane this summer, therefore, could complicate matters, as far as the club are concerned.
