Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defender will return to action vs Braga, midfielder after international break
Just when it seemed like Real Madrid were returning to a close-to full-strength squad, a series of injuries struck Carlo Ancelotti’s camp once more.
Dani Ceballos, Ferland Mendy, and Aurelien Tchouameni are the latest entrants to the list of sideline players. In fact, even Jude Bellingham recently suffered an injury scare and is a doubt for the coming midweek clash.
Mundo Deportivo brings forth updates about two of Real Madrid’s injured stars and their recovery status. Both reports are positive.
Ceballos is getting closer
Ceballos missed the initial part of Real Madrid’s season through injury, including their pre-season campaign. He returned to action only last month but was sidelined with another muscle injury subsequently ahead of El Clasico.
According to the Spanish outlet, Ceballos is already training with the ball and on track for a return soon. However, he is not quite ready yet.
He will not make it in time for the Merengues’ clashes against Braga midweek or Valencia next weekend. He is expected to return to action when the international break ends, for Real Madrid’s tie against Cadiz.
Mendy at the doorstep
Real Madrid’s Ferland Mendy has not enjoyed much luck with fitness in his time at Real Madrid. His latest blow came during El Clasico when his time on the field was cut short early in the second half.
Mundo Deportivo adds that the Frenchman is now on the cusp of a return. He is expected to be available for Real Madrid’s clash against Braga on Wednesday, although it remains to be seen if he starts.
In either case, Fran Garcia is available at Ancelotti’s disposal to cover at left-back. The player will likely not be risked from the start upon his return from injury.
Nico Paz was long hyped as Real Madrid Castilla’s brightest upcoming star. The media constantly kept the spotlight on the young Argentine through pre-season as he made a strong impression under Carlo Ancelotti in preseason.
His breakthrough eventually arrived, courtesy of Real Madrid’s injury crisis. He has now made two appearances for the team in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League and even recorded his first goal for the club earlier this week against Napoli.
Taking his chances
As revealed by AS (h/t The Madrid Zone), Paz has impressed management with his cameo against Napoli and will be called up for Real Madrid’s clash against Granada tomorrow.
In fact, there is a good chance he sees significant game time on the night.
After all, Ancelotti is without the likes of Luka Modric, Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga in the middle of the park.
With Toni Kroos, Dani Ceballos, Federico Valverde, and Jude Bellingham filling the starting spots, Paz serves as the manager’s first-choice backup off the bench.
Paz voices his elation
Paz’s introduction against Napoli changed the texture of the game, and it was only poetic that he got the goal that put Real Madrid ahead again on the night.
Speaking to the media after his special night, the Castilla star did not hold back on his emotions.
“This is a dream. For a moment I didn’t even believe it. Very happy to be able to help the team. I dared. I was in automatic mode, I didn’t even know what I was doing. I hit it and well.”
“This is also a message for the other youth players: it is possible to get there. Ancelotti congratulated me, and the whole staff. They are an incredible group and I want to thank them all,” he added, urging his Castilla teammates to keep pushing.
