Real Madrid News
Real Madrid duo sustained minor injuries during Chelsea clash – report
Real Madrid gave it their all on Wednesday night against Chelsea in the quarterfinal of the UEFA Champions League. The reward was sweet, with a two-goal lead assured heading into the second leg next week. However, the win did not come without its price.
According to reports from Arancha Rodriguez (h/t RM4Arab), some players suffered minor injuries after facing Chelsea last night, including Toni Kroos and Eder Militao.
No update has been issued from the club over the aforementioned players suffering any form of injury, and it is safe to assume that they will be fit in time to face Chelsea for the second leg.
However, Carlo Ancelotti will likely rest them for the weekend’s clash against Cadiz and hope for the niggles to pass completely.
Both Kroos and Militao started at Santiago Bernabeu last night. While the former was substituted for Aurelien Tchouameni in the 84th minute, the latter completed the ninety minutes, putting in a solid shift at the back.
Come next week, both players will be crucial if Los Blancos are to advance to the final four of the Champions League.
The German midfielder is expected to hold onto his place as the pivot on the night while Militao is a guaranteed starter in central defence.
Given Real Madrid’s track record in knockout competitions over the years, the men in white are expected to cruise to the semifinals where they will likely face Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
However, one remembers Chelsea’s stunning comeback to equalise against Real Madrid last season that forced extra time and another Karim Benzema winner.
Complacency, thus, is not an option, and having both Kroos and Militao on the field will provide the team with two leaders to ensure the same.
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.
