Real Madrid News
Real Madrid concerned about centre-back’s injury, aim to recover him for UCL semis 1st leg
David Alaba has endured a difficult campaign so far this season on the fitness front. The Austrian international has no dearth of quality on the field but has struggled to find continuity in game time.
He missed seven games over 25 days in January this year before making his comeback in early February. His return lasted less than three weeks as he was forced out for another month through a hamstring injury late in February.
He returned to training on March 22nd and was cautiously reintroduced into the pack. However, there are now concerns that his hamstring injury has relapsed.
The former Bayern Munich player started Real Madrid’s second leg against Chelsea last night but was substituted off for Antonio Rudiger at half-time. Ancelotti later revealed that the early change was forced through suspected relapse.
According to reports from Arancha Rodriguez, there are serious concerns over Alaba’s hamstring injury now. He will face a few weeks on the sidelines and the hope is to recover him in time for the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinal.
Real Madrid will face either Manchester City or Bayern Munich in the first leg of the last-four stage in the second week of May. The men in white will be without the services of Eder Militao on the night, and could thus be in a difficult situation if Alaba’s recovery does not go to plan.
The 30-year-old has played 21 La Liga games for Real Madrid this season, scoring one goal and providing three assists. He has overseen four clean sheets and averages over four defensive actions per game.
Alaba is seen as a leader in Los Blancos’ dressing room and his unavailability for two weeks will be a big blow to Ancelotti’s plans. Needless to say, his presence will be vital in the UCL fixture on May 9th.
Real Madrid set out on a mission to change the minds of Dani Ceballos, Marco Asensio and Nacho Fernandez earlier this week. After all, all three players were contemplating a departure from the club for a gross lack of minutes.
Los Blancos’ latest approach seems to have impacted Ceballos’ position in a positive fashion. However, Fabrizio Romano reveals that it has not changed Marco Asensio’s mind.
According to the Italian journalist, the Spaniard will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season as a free agent.
Of the numerous options on his table, he sees Aston Villa and PSG to be the best bets. In fact, Villa have already submitted their opening bid for the player as revealed by Fabrizio Romano once again.
After a dramatic final day of action in the Premier League, Aston Villa finished in the European spots and will participate in the UEFA Conference League next season. While a move to the English club would be a steep step down, it will see Asensio receive regular playing time.
Paris-Saint Germain, on that front, appears the more probable destination. The French club are close to losing both Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr ahead of the new season, and Asensio would thus fit in as a starting quality winger. Moreover, they offer Champions League football.
The Spaniard’s role at Real Madrid this season has not been minor by any means considering his contributions. In 30 La Liga appearances, the 27-year-old has scored nine goals and provided six assists in addition to creating nine big chances and averaging 1.4 key passes per game.
However, that does not satisfy the winger who wishes to be a starter week in and week out. His departure in June appears to be now written in stone, and the club should feel hard done to not make a penny of his move.
Many in Los Blancos’ administration see Brahim Diaz as a direct replacement for the Spanish international if he leaves. Needless to say, the AC Milan star’s future will closely depend on Asensio’s situation.
