Real Madrid News
Real Madrid right-back ruled out of Osasuna clash – report
According to an update from journalist Carlos Rodriguez, Real Madrid will have to make do without the services of versatile star Lucas Vazquez for the upcoming game against CA Osasuna.
The 31-year-old Spaniard has been sidelined for two weeks after he picked up an injury during the La Liga encounter against RCD Mallorca. He had to be withdrawn after 70 minutes in that match, following which he missed the games against RB Leipzig and Atletico Madrid.
Vazquez, along with captain Karim Benzema, had been putting in the work at Real Madrid’s indoor training facilities over the international break in order to recover in time for the game against Osasuna on Sunday.
And while the superstar striker has recovered and is ready to go, the same cannot be said about the winger turned right-back. Benzema participated in normal training on Wednesday before declaring that he was fit and ready for the weekend.
However, Vazquez is yet to train with the team outside and is now categorically ruled out of the contest against Osasuna.
The 31-year-old Spaniard will be Real Madrid’s second notable absentee for the clash after it was reported last night that Luka Modric had picked up a minor injury during the international break and will be sidelined for around ten days.
Vazquez’s absence is unlikely to be perceived as a big blow by Carlo Ancelotti as he has his first-choice right-back, Dani Carvajal, fully fit and available. In addition, there is plenty of cover in the form of Nacho Fernandez, Vinicius Tobias and Alvaro Odriozola.
On top of that Eder Militao can also fill in at right-back while Ancelotti also deployed Antonio Rudiger in the position early in the new season.
Real Madrid are currently at the top of the La Liga standings, having won each of their six matches in the competition so far. They will be intent on continuing that run when they face Osasuna on Sunday.
Real Madrid are looking towards a heavy splurge in the coming summer transfer window. After all, they do not even have another option given the sheer number of player departures already finalized.
Los Blancos have lost the services of Karim Benzema, Marco Asensio, Mariano Diaz, and Eden Hazard over the past week. While three of the four players predominantly featured on the bench, their presence in the squad gave Carlo Ancelotti’s side much-needed depth and a cushion of sorts.
The forward unit is, thus, the most prioritized department ahead of the transfer window. However, pieces are beginning to fall apart on other fronts and could potentially put the club in a difficult situation.
According to reports from Gianluca Di Marzio, Juventus are eyeing Lucas Vazquez and hope to sign him in the coming month. Contacts between the two parties have begun and the transfer fee discussed appears to be around the €6 million to €8 million ballpark given that he has just one year left on his contract.
The player, for his part, is willing to sign for the Italian giants given his relative lack of minutes at the Santiago Bernabeu. At 31 years of age, he understandably does not want to play a second-fiddle role.
Vasquez played part in 23 of Real Madrid’s 38 La Liga games last season, starting only on 12 occasions. Even in his few appearances, he averaged a mere 50 minutes per game.
The veteran completed the season with four goals and an assist to his name. Further, he averaged five defensive actions and a key pass in every game and feels hard done by his limited role.
Vazquez’s departure would place the club in a tricky situation as it would leave Real Madrid with only Dani Carvajal as a natural right-back option. Nacho Fernandez could, in theory, serve as the backup but a new signing for the position cannot be ruled out.
