Real Madrid News
Real Madrid midfielder expected to return for Real Madrid vs Man City second leg
Carlo Ancelotti has largely trusted Dani Ceballos as the first-line replacement for Luka Modric this season. Over the months, the Spaniard has enjoyed a resurgence under the Italian and a new contract at the club is suddenly no longer a distant possibility.
When the team’s Croatian ace was injured in the clash against Girona, however, the alarm bells in Madrid rang. Modric was expected to be out for the first leg against Manchester City, and Carlo Ancelotti doused the flames by maintaining that Ceballos could fill in for the missing veteran.
Ironically, the Spaniard suffered an unfortunate injury last week and missed the clash against Pep Guardiola’s side while Modric recovered and even started.
According to reports from Javier Herraez (h/t Madrid Xtra), Ceballos could return in time for Real Madrid’s second leg against Manchester City scheduled for next week. He is, however, certainly ruled out of the team’s weekend fixture.
Los Blancos only managed a 1-1 draw to the Premier League champions on Tuesday and have everything to play for when they lock horns again next Wednesday. However, it will be a tricky clash at the Etihad.
In view of the high-voltage fixture anticipated next week, Ancelotti has decided to completely rotate his starting level for the weekend fixture against Getafe. Ceballos would have been one of the first names on the team sheet in such a scenario but will, unfortunately, miss the clash.
The chances of Ceballos starting next Wednesday are near zero, but one cannot rule out an appearance off the bench if he is available. After all, every small cameo can have a special storyline in a competition like the UEFA Champions League.
In 25 La Liga appearances for Los Blancos this season, Ceballos has provided three assists and created one big chance. Further, he averages one key pass and close to seven defensive actions per ninety minutes.
Real Madrid set out on a mission to change the minds of Dani Ceballos, Marco Asensio and Nacho Fernandez earlier this week. After all, all three players were contemplating a departure from the club for a gross lack of minutes.
Los Blancos’ latest approach seems to have impacted Ceballos’ position in a positive fashion. However, Fabrizio Romano reveals that it has not changed Marco Asensio’s mind.
According to the Italian journalist, the Spaniard will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season as a free agent.
Of the numerous options on his table, he sees Aston Villa and PSG to be the best bets. In fact, Villa have already submitted their opening bid for the player as revealed by Fabrizio Romano once again.
After a dramatic final day of action in the Premier League, Aston Villa finished in the European spots and will participate in the UEFA Conference League next season. While a move to the English club would be a steep step down, it will see Asensio receive regular playing time.
Paris-Saint Germain, on that front, appears the more probable destination. The French club are close to losing both Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr ahead of the new season, and Asensio would thus fit in as a starting quality winger. Moreover, they offer Champions League football.
The Spaniard’s role at Real Madrid this season has not been minor by any means considering his contributions. In 30 La Liga appearances, the 27-year-old has scored nine goals and provided six assists in addition to creating nine big chances and averaging 1.4 key passes per game.
However, that does not satisfy the winger who wishes to be a starter week in and week out. His departure in June appears to be now written in stone, and the club should feel hard done to not make a penny of his move.
Many in Los Blancos’ administration see Brahim Diaz as a direct replacement for the Spanish international if he leaves. Needless to say, the AC Milan star’s future will closely depend on Asensio’s situation.
