Real Madrid News
Real Madrid midfielder could be a doubt for Liverpool encounter – report
Real Madrid play one of their biggest matches of the season next week as they take on Liverpool in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 at Anfield.
Ahead of the game, though, manager Carlo Ancelotti is sweating over the fitness of some of his key players.
As already confirmed by the Italian, Karim Benzema is suffering from fatigue and has hence been rested for tomorrow’s game against CA Osasuna. The 35-year-old striker will not be travelling to Pamplona for the La Liga encounter.
Another pivotal player who will not be involved on Saturday night is Toni Kroos.
The German midfielder missed Real Madrid’s last game against Elche due to gastroenteritis and has not recovered sufficiently to be a part of the squad versus Osasuna.
Now, The Athletic is reporting that Kroos could also be a doubt for the game against Liverpool next week.
One of the most experienced players on the roster, Kroos’ potential absence at Anfield could be a big blow for Real Madrid.
It is true that Ancelotti has slowly begun to rotate the German and his midfielder partner Luka Modric in recent weeks.
But there is no denying that the veteran duo remains critical to this Real Madrid team, especially in high-profile and high-pressure encounters like the one against Liverpool, that too at Anfield.
So, the Merengues will be hoping that the 33-year-old superstar recovers swiftly and in time for the blockbuster encounter versus Jurgen Klopp’s side next Tuesday.
In total, Kroos has played 30 matches across all competitions this season, in which he has produced a return of two goals and four assists. The midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season and is yet to make a decision on whether he will renew or retire.
Real Madrid News
Key Real Madrid star will be fit for Valladolid clash despite national team withdrawal
Real Madrid have been greeted with some positive news on the injury front as goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is expected to be fit and ready for the upcoming La Liga clash against Real Valladolid.
The 30-year-old custodian had flown away for national team duty with Belgium and played the full game against Sweden last week. However, the Real Madrid ace was sent back to the club over the weekend due to a minor adductor strain.
This raised concerns over the former Chelsea star’s condition, especially with a busy period lying ahead for the Merengues.
However, Mario Cortegana of The Athletic has eased any nerves surrounding his situation, reporting that Courtois was subjected to tests upon returning to Spain and there is no reason for worry.
The report states that Real Madrid expect their No. 1 to be fit and available for their next game which will be against Real Valladolid in La Liga on April 2, Sunday.
It is further stated that the knock Courtois sustained was not a new one and that the 30-year-old had felt discomfort in the same area during Los Blancos’ UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second-leg tie against Liverpool at the Santiago Bernabeu earlier this month.
Courtois has featured 32 times across all competitions this term, having missed a few matches due to fitness issues. He has managed just ten clean sheets and will be hoping to add to that against Valladolid, now that is reportedly fit to feature at the weekend.
In another boost, reports earlier today indicated that Toni Kroos does not have any injury after concerns were raised due to the midfielder doing individual training sessions over the past week.
