Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defender likely to be rested for Mallorca clash after injury scare – report
Real Madrid got their UEFA Champions League title defence off to a flyer with a 3-0 rout over Celtic midweek. After an ordinary first 45 minutes, Los Blancos focussed all their resources to capitalise in the second half.
Despite taking three points home, all was not well at the end of 90 minutes. Carlo Ancelotti’s side lost two key players to injury during the 90 minutes in Glasgow- Karim Benzema and Eder Militao.
According to reports from Miguel Angel Dias, the Brazilian centre-back underwent an ultrasound scan to gauge the extent of his injury on Wednesday. The diagnostic procedure revealed no damage to the hamstrings of his left leg as initially expected.
Later today, he will undergo an MRI scan to accurately assess the condition of his muscle. As it stands, he is expected to be rested for the weekend’s clash against Mallorca.
In his absence, the manager will count on Antonio Rudiger at centre-back alongside David Alaba. The German international has not seen as many minutes as he would have liked so far this season and will look to capitalise on his chance.
In 45 minutes against Celtic, Militao produced five clearances, one interception and blocked one shot. Needless to say, he was vital in ensuring that the hosts did not get a goal despite putting pressure throughout the first half.
It is expected that the Brazilian will be available for next week’s UEFA Champions League clash against RB Leipzig. Even if he doesn’t make it in time for the game against the Germans, Ancelotti will hope to have him fit for the Madrid derby next weekend.
Real Madrid’s performance against Real Betis was shambolic, to say the least as the team faced many of the problems that have haunted them over the past couple of years.
But on a night where most of the attackers struggled to create anything of note, Dean Huijsen emerged as a lone bright spark for Los Blancos.
Huijsen keeps his promise
As reported by MARCA, Huijsen was the standout performer for Real Madrid, marshalling the backline with real authority even as the team struggled around him.
There has been a noticeable shift in the young defender’s mentality this season, with the player showing more competitive nature and looking much fiercer.
This is an attitude Huijsen had always promised, having inherited the iconic number four shift from David Alaba, a number he associates with his idols Sergio Ramos and Fernando Hierro.
“What I do know is that I’ll give everything of myself every day, whether in training or in a game,” he vowed, and at La Cartuja he delivered on that word.
His primary task was neutralising Juan ‘Cucho’ Hernandez, and he did so superbly, drying up the Colombian’s supply and repeatedly anticipating danger.
He also held his own in a niggly battle with Antony, refusing to be ruffled by one of Betis’ most inspired performers.
His composure on the ball, one of the qualities that has elevated him, saw him venture forward, forcing a fine save from the goalkeeper in the 11th minute and later heading against the woodwork.
The Konate partnership grows
Alongside him, Ibrahima Konate did his job, albeit without matching his partner’s brilliance.
The Frenchman was a little less assured, both in and out of possession, reflecting the two speeds of the centre-back pairing.
Huijsen looks settled and increasingly commanding, while Konate is still building the sharpness needed to reach his best in white.
Nonetheless, the partnership is heading in the right direction, and in Huijsen, Real Madrid appear to have unearthed a genuine leader for an area that has long been a weakness.
Each performance is also an argument to Luis de la Fuente, as the defender looks to reclaim the Spain spot he lost before the World Cup.
