Real Madrid News
Real Madrid eye 35-year-old Bundesliga legend to reinforce the defensive line
After missing out on Leny Yoro, Real Madrid find themselves against the wall to hunt for a new centre-back ahead of the next season.
Carlo Ancelotti, after all, has only three centre-backs available who he counts on, of which David Alaba is still recovering from an ACL injury.
The pressing need has got Los Blancos skimming through the market for the right fit, especially a temporary fix.
Surprisingly, they are now linked to a player they faced in the UEFA Champions League final last season.
Operation Hummels
As revealed in an update via AS, Real Madrid have their eyes set on Mats Hummels. The 35-year-old Borussia Dortmund legend left the club after the UCL final and is currently without a team.
The German star was in negotiations with Bologna as he hunts for the next step in his career. Possible interest from Real Madrid, however, has paralysed talks between the two parties.
Despite being 35 years of age, Hummels was at the top of his game last season, making 25 appearances in the Bundesliga and overseeing five clean sheets in the process. Further, he averaged a stunning ten defensive actions per game.
A dire situation
Carlo Ancelotti currently has Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger as his only available centre-back options. David Alaba is still some away from a return, and even then he will require time to return to his best after a grappling injury.
The manager indeed has the services of Jesus Vallejo available. However, it is clear at this point that the club do not wish to give the Spaniard a run in the team despite his desire to stay.
A new signing, at this point, is thus non-negotiable. Already at the end of his career, Hummels could well be the right short-term fix the club require before splashing on a new young defender.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid hope captain will resume group training tomorrow and be ready for Villarreal
Real Madrid received a major boost in training today as Kylian Mbappe participated in the group session, indicating his readiness for the upcoming game against Villarreal.
The French superstar had returned from international duty with a knee injury, but seems to have left it behind and appears ready to start at the Santiago Bernabeu come Saturday.
What about Federico Valverde?
Now, according to AS, Federico Valverde was not part of the group training session today at Valdebebas. Instead, he was involved in an individual session away from his teammates.
However, Real Madrid hope that their club captain will be able to resume working with the rest of the squad on Thursday, putting him in the fray to return in time for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal.
Valverde is currently recovering from an ankle sprain that he sustained in Real Madrid’s 2-1 derby defeat against Atletico Madrid prior to the international break.
The Uruguayan midfielder was on the receiving end of a harsh tackle from Kang-In Lee, which left him injured, ruling him out of action for the national team.
The 28-year-old stayed behind in Madrid and has worked hard on his recovery, with things progressing in the right direction.
What now remains to be seen is whether he can jump back into group training session on Thursday, which would put him on the path to return to action against Villarreal.
A key player for Mourinho
So far this season, Valverde has emerged as a permanent fixture in the team under new manager Jose Mourinho.
The Real Madrid captain has started all of the team’s eight matches in all competitions this term, scoring and assisting one goal apiece.
His potential availability for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal will come as a major boost for Mourinho & co. Everything will depend on how things progress in tomorrow’s training session at Valdebebas.
With Ibrahima Konate also recovering from his knee sprain, Real Madrid have only three players sidelined currently: Raul Asencio, who recently underwent surgery, Rodrygo Goes, who is a long-term absentee, and Ferland Mendy, who has resumed work with the ball.
