Real Madrid News
Real Madrid midfielder’s injury serious, could be ruled out until January
Real Madrid have been recently boosted by the return of Luka Modric and Karim Benzema. But while these two lynchpins of the first-team return to action, the club have lost another valuable asset in the form of Dani Ceballos.
According to Sergio Santos (h/t Jorge Picon), the midfielder has picked up a hamstring injury ahead of the Champions League clash against Shakhtar Donetsk.
The initial suggestions regarding his hamstring injury are not positive and everything indicates that the midfielder will not return to the pitch until after the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Nothing has been confirmed as of yet. But Ceballos is expected to undergo an MRI scan on Thursday in order to determine the full extent of the injury. He is likely to be ruled out for a significant period, which could serve as a major headache for coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Ceballos is by no means a regular in Real Madrid’s starting eleven. But he was a pivotal piece to the club’s strength in depth, especially in the midfield unit.
With the strenuous October schedule already underway, the Real Madrid boss will face a difficult time juggling his options, especially with Modric and Toni Kroos staring at the final phase of their respective careers.
Not to mention, Ceballos has performed rather well whenever called upon and is a much more experienced alternative to the likes of Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga.
But with the former Real Betis man ruled out, Real Madrid must look for replacements, either in the market or in the RM Castilla squad.
The subsidiary team’s head coach Raul has recently praised Ancelotti for his conviction in youth development, but whether or not the Italian tactician calls up any of the younger players remains to be seen.
There is no secret that Real Madrid might consider a move for a new striker in the coming summer. With Karim Benzema slowly nearing the end of his career, the club are looking for a viable alternative ahead of the new season.
Carlo Ancelotti has been left impressed by the performances of Rodrygo in the centre forward position. But the club could still use the services of a more recognised option in the number nine position.
The Spanish giants are reportedly assessing La Liga for a potential low-cost option. But they are also open to looking through in other leagues, in their bid to add more depth in the attacking department.
To that end, Fabrizio Romano claims Real Madrid are eyeing a swoop for Roberto Firmino. The Liverpool star has become the latest player to be shortlisted by Los Blancos, with his current contract at Liverpool expiring at the end of the season.
Formerly of TSG Hoffenheim, Firmino has a stellar track record of performing in Europe. He has scored 110 goals in 361 competitive matches during his time at Liverpool, winning the Premier League and the Champions League title.
A centre forward by trade, Roberto is known for his tactical flexibility and the ability to shift into wider areas to build up the player.
It makes him an appealing target for Real Madrid, who would prefer a versatile striker in their ranks that can not only provide cover for Benzema but also the likes of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.
Real Madrid, though, are yet to hold any discussions with Roberto Firmino just yet. He has just been added to the list of targets and one would expect the Spanish giants to make a move once the season is over and the player becomes a free agent.
