Real Madrid News
Real Madrid outcast misses Almeria clash due to illness, summer exit not ruled out
With Real Madrid set to face off against Almeria in the Spanish League after enjoying the spoils of victory against Athletic Club, the club is gearing up for another important match-up.
One of the players who will not feature is Alvaro Odriozola, with the right-back not making it to the matchday squad.
According to Guillermo Rai, Odriozola was ill, and that was the reason behind his exclusion from the squad to face off against Almeria.
However, the report states that Real Madrid are also not ruling out an exit in the coming days, as the Spaniard is deemed an inessential member of the team.
Odriozola on his way out
Odriozola is no longer wanted by manager Carlo Ancelotti and is viewed as surplus to requirements.
The right-back did not play in many games last season, even though Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez had shown inconsistencies in their performances.
It had previously been speculated that the 27-year-old may return to Real Sociedad, his boyhood club.
Moreover, defending Italian champions Napoli are looking to bolster their defence, and are reportedly evaluating the signing of the Real Madrid outcast.
His contract with the team expires in June 2024, and Madrid would be aiming to get some cash from his sale rather than losing him as a free agent next year
Given that the Spanish ace sits below players like Carvajal, Vazquez, and even Nacho Fernandez in the Real Madrid pecking order, his departure would certainly benefit both parties involved.
Once a promising right-back, Odriozola’s career has stalled in recent years and a permanent move away could be ideal for him to revive his stuttering career.
There just does not appear to be any respite from injuries for Real Madrid.
Just when it appeared that they were close to having their full squad – barring the two long-term absentees – the Merengues have been struck down by fresh injuries this week.
Arda Guler, who was on the cusp of being named in the squad for the Las Palmas clash, injured himself in training on Tuesday.
And now, during the game against Las Palmas at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid have lost key defender David Alaba to an injury.
Close to the 40th-minute mark, Alaba went down on the ground clutching his leg and appeared to be in quite a bit of discomfort.
Soon enough, the medical staff arrived to take a look at the Austrian and seconds later he was off the pitch and straight towards the tunnel.
Lucas Vazquez came on to replace the injured Alaba, with Nacho Fernandez moving into the centre-back position alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Alaba’s injury leaves Carlo Ancelotti with just two fit centre-backs in Rudiger and Nacho, which is set to be a matter of great concern.
The hope will be that Alaba’s condition is nothing serious and that he is able to mount a quick recovery.
