Real Madrid News
Real Madrid duo out of Mallorca clash, but could return for Club World Cup
Real Madrid secured a 2-0 victory over Valencia on Thursday night, reducing the gap at the top of the table to their arch-rivals FC Barcelona to five points.
But the win came at its own costs, with both Eder Militao and Karim Benzema picking up fresh knocks that prompted their substitutions.
Benzema appeared to have taken a knock in his groin. He was substituted around the hour mark by Rodrygo, whereas Militao picked up a knock quite early on in the game, but continued to play. The Brazilian was ultimately taken off in the 36th minute.
After the game, it was reported that Benzema’s blow was not expected to be serious. And as per a recent report from Mario Cortegana of The Athletic, it appears both Benzema and Militao are set to undergo tests tomorrow.
First reviews suggest they are both set to be ruled out in the upcoming game against Mallorca in La Liga. But there is optimism they can be fit for the Club World Cup matches next week.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid have been handed boost in the fitness of Toni Kroos, David Alaba and Dani Ceballos.
Both Kroos and Ceballos suffered from discomfort during the game against Valencia, with the former even being subbed off by Ancelotti. Meanwhile, Alaba is still recovering from the muscular problem that has kept him out of action for the last three weeks or so.
The report suggests all three players are expected to return to training tomorrow and will be available against Mallorca.
Real Madrid, though, may not have the luxury of having Lucas Vazquez back at their disposal in the coming matches. The wide player is still nursing his injury and it will be a surprise to see him return to full fitness for the Club World Cup matches next week.
Los Merengue are set to kickstart their Club World Cup campaign on Wednesday in Morocco, though their opponent for the semi-final encounter has not yet been decided.
According to reports from Mario Cortegana (h/t Madrid Zone), Real Madrid have two objectives for the upcoming summer transfer window. The centre-forward and the right-wing position are seen as the two positions to be reinforced but no decision has been made yet about making a move.
This comes over and above the Merengues’ pre-existing need for new midfielders and full-backs in the coming windows.
At first sight, it may appear that Los Blancos are well stacked in the final third. In Vinicius Jr, Karim Benzema and Rodrygo Goes, they have three starting quality players who are well-complemented by the likes of Marco Asensio and Federico Valverde.
Yet, Vinicius is the only player on the aforementioned list who can boast of a starting role in a fixed position for at least the next decade.
There is worry over the centre-forward role considering Benzema’s lack of form and fitness throughout the current campaign. With the Ballon d’Or winner already 35, the club need a young reinforcement soon which is evident with the team’s struggle for goals this term.
Los Blancos have already invested heavily in Endrick in this regard. However, that has not stopped them from following established options like Dusan Vlahovic and Erling Haaland as their Brazilian wonderkid will not arrive until 2024.
The right wing is also understaffed despite the presence of young Rodrygo and Fede Valverde. The duo have no dearth of talent but have not managed to click on the wing as well as the manager would have liked.
Thus, it remains to be seen as to who the club targets to strengthen the wing and aim to stretch the play. Given the heavy investment planned for Jude Bellingham, a low-cost option is likely to be considered.
