Real Madrid News
Real Madrid ace not injured, suffering from ‘overload’ – report
Real Madrid’s excellent start to the season came to a halt when they were to a 1-1 draw by Girona on Sunday evening.
One of the major reasons behind the Merengues’ mishap was the lack of a proper striker. Despite reports beforehand indicating the return of star striker Karim Benzema, the forward was not able to feature against Girona.
It led to Carlo Ancelotti opting for Rodrygo as the main number nine, with Vinicius Junior and Federico Valverde featuring out wide.
Benzema’s absence against the Catalans propagated rumours of the striker’s prolonged absence. However, according to Arancha Rodriguez (h/t Madrid Xtra), the Frenchman had no major fitness issues yesterday and had even passed the fitness tests.
Rodriguez speculates that the striker may have an ‘overload’, which played a key role in ruling him out of the Girona game and casting doubts over his involvement for the next game.
At the end of the day, it is only Benzema who is aware of his fitness status and whether or not he would return to action in the upcoming game against Celtic remains in limbo.
Real Madrid, for their part, would welcome the return of the French international, whose absence has cost the club dearly in the past two matches.
Indeed, Real Madrid have failed to win in their last two competitive matches, and even though qualification to the knockout rounds of the UEFA Champions League has been sealed, it could be imperative for them to seal the group stage on a bright note.
That is where the return of Benzema could prove to be handy, although with Ancelotti having one eye on the Monday night contest against Rayo Vallecano, it would not come as a surprise to see the striker starting on the bench in the Celtic affair.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool monitoring 19-year-old Bundesliga wonderkid – Romano
According to Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool are all monitoring Bayer Leverkusen and Germany wonderkid Florian Wirtz.
After recovering from his ACL injury, the teenage sensation has been slowly working his way back to his best form. So far this term, Wirtz has managed to rack up a tally of two goals and six assists from 13 matches in all competitions.
The 19-year-old’s talent and potential have never been in question and hence it does not come as a surprise that elite clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool are all keeping tabs on the German international.
A versatile attacking midfielder, Wirtz is capable of playing anywhere in the final third of the pitch and backs up with top-notch end product. Be it as a false-nine or in a more withdrawn role, the youngster has excelled for Bayer Leverkusen, catching the attention of top teams.
Real Madrid, for their part, are also understood to be among Wirtz’s admirers. Given the situation surrounding Karim Benzema’s fitness and the lack of backup at the top, the youngster could be an option, as he has shown potential while operating through the middle.
But Barcelona also have a strong interest in the teenager with reports even suggesting that they have already made contact with his father to enquire about his situation.
At the same time, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is understood to be a huge admirer of his fellow German and with Roberto Firmino on his way out, Wirtz could be lined up as a possible replacement.
However, Romano adds that the expectation is that Wirtz could stay at Bayer Leverkusen for one more year and depart Germany once the UEFA Euro 2024 is out of the way.
For now, there have been talks or negotiations with any clubs, but Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool are all tracking Wirtz and his progress in Germany.
