Real Madrid News
Real Madrid full-back will ‘definitely’ leave the club this summer – report
Even though there have already been four exits from the club this summer, Real Madrid are expected to part ways with a few more players before the transfer window slams shut.
And one candidate that is certain to depart before the new season kicks off is out-of-favour right-back Alvaro Odriozola.
Indeed, according to MARCA, everything indicates that Odriozola will ‘definitely’ leave Real Madrid in the ongoing summer transfer window.
The right-back arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu from boyhood club Real Sociedad in the summer of 2018 in a deal worth around €30 million.
However, he never really got going at the club and was shipped out on loan to Bayern Munich in January 2020. After failing to do much of note in Germany, the 27-year-old found himself in Italy, joining Fiorentina on a season-long loan deal in the summer of 2021.
Odriozola played fairly regularly for the Serie A outfit and appeared to have gotten his career back on track. But having returned to Real Madrid last year, the Spaniard was retained by Carlo Ancelotti even though he had Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez as options at right-back.
As such, the 27-year-old hardly saw any minutes on the pitch in 2022/23, playing just six games (92 minutes) across all competitions.
With just a year left on his contract, Real Madrid are keen on offloading him and recouping some cash even if it would be a small percentage of the fee that they spent on him.
Odriozola, thus, is definitely on his way out of the club with reports suggesting that he has many offers on the table.
But, as things stand, the 27-year-old’s next destination could likely be Real Sociedad, with the Basque outfit understood to be in negotiations with Real Madrid over a transfer.
Real Madrid are hoping to have Kylian Mbappe, Ibrahima Konate and Federico Valverde available for the La Liga meeting with Villarreal, with the fitness of all three players being closely monitored, according to Melchor Ruiz.
The trio have each faced different injury concerns during the past few weeks, leaving Madrid waiting for clarity before Saturday’s fixture.
Their availability could be particularly important given the problems already affecting the squad.
Mbappe expected back at Valdebebas
Mbappe was released early from France duty after suffering pain in his left knee during the national team’s first match against Turkiye.
Tests ruled out a serious injury, allowing the forward to take several days of active rest under the supervision of Real Madrid’s medical staff.
After returning to Madrid, Mbappe is expected at Valdebebas to continue his recovery and conditioning work.
Despite the scare, his knee problem is not currently expected to rule him out against Villarreal.
Real Madrid will nevertheless assess his condition before deciding how much work he can handle ahead of the game.
Konate provides relief amid defensive problems
Konate’s situation is also being watched closely, although the initial fears surrounding his knee have eased.
The centre-back suffered a collateral ligament problem in his right knee before appearing for France.
Further assessment ruled out a serious injury, providing significant relief for Madrid at a time when defensive options are already stretched.
Eder Militao remains sidelined, while Raul Asencio is also unavailable, making Konate’s recovery particularly important to Jose Mourinho’s plans.
Valverde facing the biggest recovery race
Valverde’s situation could be the most difficult of the three.
The midfielder suffered an ankle injury during the Madrid derby against Atletico Madrid after a heavy challenge from Kang-in Lee.
He was initially diagnosed with a severe contusion, but subsequent examinations revealed a grade 3 sprain in his left ankle. Real Madrid initially expected him to need around two to three weeks to recover.
That timeline puts his availability for Villarreal under pressure, although the club remains hopeful that he can return in time.
With the three important players dealing with separate fitness issues, Real Madrid will continue assessing their progress before the Villarreal clash.
None of the trio has yet been confirmed as fit, but the club’s hope is to have all three available for selection.
