Real Madrid News
Real Madrid ‘like’ in-form Serie A winger, following him closely – report
Real Madrid are very clear about their plan to sign Jude Bellingham. The Borussia Dortmund starlet is the plan A, B and C in their bid to reinforce their ranks in the midfield department ahead of next season.
However, should the Spanish giants fail in their effort to sign Bellingham, they have an alternative plan in mind, which is to sign a new attacker. This is because coach Carlo Ancelotti has stressed the importance of a new forward.
According to Cadena SER, Real Madrid have already identified an option in the form of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The club are keeping close tabs on the Napoli starlet and are expected to pounce if the Bellingham deal goes south.
With 11 goals and 14 assists in all competitions this season, Kvaratskhelia has been one of the top performers in Europe. His blazing performances in Serie A have helped Napoli lead the title race by quite some margin, with the Partenopei currently holding a sizable 15-point lead over second-placed Inter Milan.
Karim Benzema has done extremely well in recent seasons, even winning the Ballon d’Or. He will be handed a renewal as well, but amid growing concerns over his fitness, Real Madrid have stepped up their quest to sign a forward.
That is where Kvaratskhelia comes into the fray. The young Georgian international is equipped with the qualities to flourish in the Real Madrid frontline and make it more potent, especially with question marks lingering over the futures of Eden Hazard and Marco Asensio.
Not to mention, Kvaratskhelia is considered a huge Real Madrid fan, which should only help the club’s pursuit. However, it must be noted that Napoli are not willing to give up on their prized attacker that easily, with reports suggesting a figure of around €100 million.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defender takes major step towards comeback; set for return after international break
Real Madrid are finally beginning to see a clear path back for Eder Militao, with the defender now in the final phase of his rehabilitation and increasingly expected to return after the next international break.
Militao has been sidelined since suffering a tear to the proximal biceps femoris tendon in his left leg during the meeting with Alaves last April.
The injury required surgery, but his recovery has now reached a stage where his return can be discussed in more concrete terms.
Militao steps up rehabilitation at Valdebebas
While Real Madrid completed their preparations for Tuesday night’s trip to Elche, Militao was working separately from the main group at the Valdebebas Training Centre.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the Brazilian defender carried out specific exercises with the club’s rehabilitation staff and physiotherapists on pitches 1 and 2.
The work represents another step in a recovery process that has kept him away from competitive action for several months.
Mind you, Militao will not be involved against Elche, but the latest signs are considerably more encouraging for what comes next.
Return now expected after international break
The timeline surrounding Militao’s comeback is finally becoming clearer. Provided his recovery continues at its current pace, Real Madrid expect the centre-back to be available to Mourinho once the international break is over.
That break is scheduled to take place from the end of September into the first week of October, meaning Militao could be back by mid-October at the latest.
For a defender who has endured another significant spell on the sidelines, simply having a defined target gives an important moment in his rehabilitation.
Real Madrid still missing players
Militao’s progress is particularly welcome because Real Madrid continue to deal with several absences in the squad.
On that note, Rodrygo and Ferland Mendy remain on the injury list and are not expected to return as quickly as Militao.
Both these players are therefore ruled out of the Elche fixture, leaving Mourinho without several established options.
Beyond Elche, though, Militao’s return offers Real Madrid something far more valuable: another experienced defensive option for the demanding weeks ahead.
After surgery and months of rehabilitation, the Brazilian is now entering the final stretch, and if there are no setbacks, Real Madrid could have their defender back in the squad around the middle of October.
