Real Madrid News
Real Madrid close to welcoming key defensive trio back after injury layoffs
Real Madrid’s biggest hurdle last season, needless to say, was the injury record the squad faced as a whole, especially in defence.
After all, Los Blancos were left with an acute shortage of defenders for a greater part of the season with several players ruled out in the long term.
With the FIFA Club World Cup rapidly approaching, however, the club are gradually growing closer to welcoming back the injured defenders they lost through the course of last season.
AS, in fact, bring to light that as many as three Real Madrid defenders are on the verge of returning to the club’s dynamics ahead of the impending global event.
Return of the veteran core
Real Madrid’s squad has made a clear and conspicuous transition to a younger core in recent years and is only expected to go a step ahead with Xabi Alonso taking control this summer.
As relayed by the Spanish outlet, however, they will receive a significant boost with three injured veteran defenders set to return to action as early as this month.
Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger have all been included as the faces of the unveiling of Real Madrid’s brand-new away jersey, thus relaying that they are closer than ever to a return to the field.
All three defenders played a key role in the team’s latest training session, and while they were not completely fit, they are said to be closer than ever before to a full-capacity return to the field. They could, in fact, be ready in time for the end of the group stage of the Club World Cup.
The Spanish outlet furthers that the veteran right-back was seen sending in accurate crosses in the recent training session while Rudiger looked sharp in aerial battles and stable with his knee after his surgery. Militao, despite his ACL injury, looked stable on the ball.
The club have no plans of rushing the veterans back though, especially after the signings of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen who are expected to be regular starters at right-back and centre-back respectively.
The seasoned campaigners, nevertheless, are seen to be indispensable members of the dressing room, especially for their experience.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star Huijsen credits Mourinho for improved form in new season: ‘He supports me a lot’
Real Madrid will be looking to get back to winning ways in LaLiga as they take on Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
The club are coming on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis last weekend but did secure a narrow win over Inter Milan in the midweek Champions League fixture.
Heading into this game, Dean Huijsen, who has been showing a lot of promise in these early parts of the season, spoke to the club’s official media about the match ahead and how Real Madrid have been coping with the pressure early on, among other things.
Huijsen on Rayo and his defensive duties
The young centre-back was fully aware of the threat posed by Rayo and praised the opposition.
“We know that Rayo is a good team, and it’s a tough team to face, and we must give our all as we do in all matches to secure the three points, that’s the only thing that matters, and for the Bernabeu to be with us and for us all to be united,” he said.
He also detailed the defensive demands placed on him by the coaching staff led by Jose Mourinho.
“Well, what every coach asks of you: ferocity, intercepting balls, and winning one-on-one duels. He supports me a lot, and I think this helps me greatly, and defending together as a team,” he said.
On the team’s preparations for the fixture, Huijsen offered an insight into their training routine.
“We’re working on some tactics related to the opponent. And well, after that it depends on the day; we might play a mini-match among ourselves or not,” he added.
Huijsen on Mourinho and his fine form
The Spaniard was quick to credit Mourinho, with whom he previously worked at Roma, for his development and current level.
“We’ve known each other for a while, even though we spent a relatively short time together in Rome. He gave me the opportunity to make the real leap into professional football, and I’ll always be grateful to him for that,” Huijsen said.
Reflecting on his own performances, the defender was in confident mood, once again pointing to the influence of his coach and teammates.
“I think I’m in good shape. Well, I think I’m delivering a good level, and I believe that’s thanks to the coach too, as he keeps track of me and takes great care of me.”
“Well, I’m also doing my very best, and I think the teammates are supporting me too, and this is the perfect equation,” he added.
Finally, Huijsen explained how he manages his recovery amid a congested schedule.
“There are a lot of matches, so we need to recover well and stay focused on football, then you have to sleep well. And yes, on the days after the match, I also take a cold shower and a hot shower to recover better,” he concluded.
