Real Madrid News
Real Madrid midfielder unlikely to make it back in time to face Granada
Real Madrid are still finding it hard to catch a break, with injuries consistently proving to be a thorn in their side.
Despite battering Cadiz most recently in La Liga with a 3-0 triumph, Luka Modric had to be substituted due to discomfort in his left hip.
The Croatian enjoyed a great performance after being handed a rare start for the club. He was seen pulling the strings in midfield and ended up producing an assist for Rodrygo.
As such, his injury proved to be a concerning sight. While initial reports downplayed the severity of the injury, with claims that he would be back in time to play Napoli, it appears Modric is facing more time out on the sidelines than expected.
Modric will be out for some time
Indeed, according to Miguel Ángel Díaz (h/t Madrid Xtra), it is unlikely that Luka Modric will be ready for the game against Granada on Saturday.
In addition to Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga, two other midfielders who are not expected to return until 2024, Modric is also set to spend time recovering on the sidelines.
Not having the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner tonight against Napoli would not be as great a blow, considering the Merengues have already secured qualification to the next round of the Champions League.
Even so, given Carlo Ancelotti is already shorthanded in midfield, Modric’s absence against Granada does induce worry.
Although Los Blancos are currently leading in La Liga, they are tied on points with Girona and are closely followed by Atletico Madrid and Barcelona.
Thus, any slip-ups cannot be afforded, and losing out on the wisened figure of Modric comes across as a blow amid this injury crisis.
Still, Modric’s injury does not appear to be a long-term issue. The 38-year-old will be back sooner rather than later, and grinding out a win against 19th-placed Granada on home soil should be a very doable task even without the presence of Modric.
Real Madrid prospect Alexis Ciria will have to wait for his Champions League opportunity despite making a strong impression on Jose Mourinho during pre-season.
The Castilla winger has been left out of Real Madrid’s European squad, but the decision is the consequence of UEFA registration rules rather than a sporting judgment.
According to journalist Arancha Rodriguez (h/t Defensa Central), Ciria was not eligible for Madrid’s List B because he has not been with the club long enough to satisfy UEFA’s requirements.
Registering him would therefore have required Mourinho to include him on the more restrictive List A.
UEFA rules work against Ciria
List B provides clubs with additional flexibility to register young academy players, but being young enough is not sufficient on its own.
Players must also meet requirements concerning how long they have been eligible to represent the club.
Ciria does not meet those conditions because of his limited time at Valdebebas. Real Madrid would therefore have needed to sacrifice a List A position to register him.
With those places required for members of Mourinho’s senior squad, Ciria was ultimately left out.
Real Madrid’s List B instead includes youngsters such as Joan Martinez, Mario Rivas, Thiago Pitarch, Jorge Cestero and Daniel Yanez.
Many of these youngsters made a name for themselves under Mourinho during pre-season and could be used to make up the numbers in the Champions League squad.
They could also get some minutes off the bench, especially against relatively easier opposition, as Jose Mourinho looks to manage first-team minutes.
Mourinho still plans first-team opportunity
Importantly for Ciria, missing the Champions League squad does not appear to reflect a change in Mourinho’s opinion of him.
The youngster impressed during pre-season and is expected to continue spending time around the senior team.
Mourinho intends to give Ciria his official first-team debut during the season. That opportunity will now have to arrive in La Liga or the Copa del Rey.
The Portuguese tactician placed a lot of emphasis on trusting Castilla players during pre-season in the absence of first-team stars.
Ciria was one of the many names who made a name for themselves at Real Madrid during pre-season. He deserves a chance in the first team, and it remains to be seen how Jose plans his development.
