Real Madrid News
Real Madrid midfielder will start at makeshift position against Leganes – report
Dani Carvajal’s injury earlier this season seriously limited Carlo Ancelotti’s options at right-back with Lucas Vazquez left as the only direct replacement in the squad.
An untimely injury to the stand-in defender against Osasuna, however, deepened the crisis significantly.
The two-week hiatus from club football gave Vazquez time to recover from his setback and he is close to a return. However, he is unlikely to make it in time to face Leganes at the weekend.
Emergency measure ready
As revealed in a recent report by Jonathan Ramos, Federico Valverde will play at right-back for Real Madrid against Leganes on Sunday.
The Uruguayan central midfielder has been spoken of as the manager’s first-choice emergency right-back for a long time now and will thus return to his foreign role this weekend with both starters injured.
Not having Valverde in midfield will undoubtedly be a massive blow for Los Blancos as his work rate and tireless presence has proven to be vital in recent years with many calling him the single most important piece in the team’s midfield.
The manager, however, will look to compensate for his absence by utilising Eduardo Camavinga in his place and also has the likes of Jude Bellingham, Luka Modric and Arda Guler available.
Earlier this week, rumours of Ancelotti testing out young Raul Asencio at right-back floated in the media and it was speculated that the youngster could feature in Vazquez’s place.
Eder Militao’s injury and the manager’s lack of faith in Jesus Vallejo, however, point to him joining Antonio Rudiger in the central defence for his first start of the season.
Real Madrid News
Arsenal in contact with Real Madrid forward’s camp over potential transfer – report
Doubts about Rodrygo Goes’ long-term future at Real Madrid having been growing for some time.
The Brazilian’s situation had become uncomfortable over the past couple of seasons as he experienced a sudden decline in form. And, just when it seemed like he was about to turn things around, an ACL injury ruled him out in March earlier this year.
With Rodrygo now facing an extended spell on the sidelines, his recovery will be crucial. He is expected to return in December or January, and the club will monitor how he responds physically before determining what role he will play under Jose Mourinho.
Arsenal keeping tabs on Rodrygo
Now, according to TEAMtalk (h/t Bernabeu Digital), Arsenal are in contact with Rodrygo’s representatives over a potential future move.
The report states that the Gunners had already attempted to sign the Brazilian before his injury, and their interest has now resurfaced ahead of a possible move in the summer of 2027.
The Premier League champions had also explored the possibility of signing Vinicius Jr. from Real Madrid this past summer, before he signed a new long-term contract at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Now, their attention seems to have switched Vinicius’ fellow Brazilian forward who is closing in on his return from the ACL rupture.
Real Madrid want to keep Rodrygo until the summer
As already reported, Rodrygo will not leave Real Madrid in January. The intention is for the winger to regain full fitness and become available to Mourinho for the second half of the season.
Real Madrid are not considering selling the former Santos wonderkid during the January transfer window.
Instead, the club intend to reassess his situation next summer, once he has had the opportunity to recover and demonstrate his form on the pitch.
The plan is to have the Brazilian fit and available for the second half of the campaign before making a final decision at the end of the season.
Rodrygo’s performances after returning from injury, together with Mourinho’s assessment of his role in the squad, will help determine what happens next.
Depending on those factors, Real Madrid could consider allowing him to leave or decide that he still has an important future at the Santiago Bernabeu.
For now, Arsenal’s interest remains a possibility to watch, but Real Madrid are focused on Rodrygo’s recovery rather than negotiating a January departure.
