Real Madrid News
Real Madrid starlet knocking on Arbeloa’s doors with strong performances for Castilla
Real Madrid have seen their academy system flourish this season, with Real Madrid Castilla emerging as a genuine talent factory.
Several young players have already taken steps towards the first team, including Thiago Pitarch and Manuel Angel, both of whom have played and trained regularly under senior management.
Now, another name is beginning to demand attention – David Jimenez.
As per MARCA, the young full-back is making a strong case for inclusion in Alvaro Arbeloa’s plans, thanks to a string of consistent and impactful performances at the youth level.
Stronger performances in youth category
As such, Jimenez delivered a standout performance against Celta Fortuna, registering two assists in a dominant showing that left the opposition defence struggling to cope.
That contribution takes his tally to eight assists for the season, making him Castilla’s leading creator.
To put it in perspective, these numbers show an encouraging pattern of development, following on from last season, where he recorded three goals and five assists.
Despite this upward trajectory, opportunities with the first team have been limited.
His last appearance came in February during a victory over Valencia, where he impressed but was subsequently sent back to Castilla and has not featured in matchday squads since.
In demand in La Liga
That lack of continuity at the senior level is beginning to raise questions, and performances like the one against Celta Fortuna can be seen as a response.
Each assist, each strong display, is another reminder that he is knocking on the door.
However, that door has yet to fully open and this situation has not gone unnoticed elsewhere.
Several clubs, including sides from La Liga, are already monitoring his situation closely ahead of the summer transfer window. Interest is growing, and offers are expected to follow.
If Jimenez does not become part of the first-team plans soon, a summer exit appears increasingly likely.
With the international break done and dusted, Real Madrid will be back in action this weekend in La Liga, where they will be looking to catch up to league leaders FC Barcelona.
Coming up for Jose Mourinho & co., who lost their last game before the international break, will be a home game against Villarreal on Saturday.
And, leading up to the game, the Spanish capital club have received welcome news on the injury front.
Mbappe back in group training
Indeed, as per MARCA, Kylian Mbappe will be available for Real Madrid’s match against Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.
Having been training individually so far this week, the France captain rejoined group training under Mourinho today, taking a concrete step forward towards making himself available for the game.
The forward looked relaxed and ready to work, putting his boots back on and joining the group as Real Madrid prepare for a demanding run of fixtures throughout October.
And, unless there is any unforeseen setback, everything suggests that Mbappe will be ready to start against the Yellow Submarine come Saturday.
Under scrutiny
The past few weeks have been nothing short of eventful for Mbappe, with his every action and movement under heavy scrutiny.
Playing for France, in Zinedine Zidane’s managerial debut, the 27-year-old superstar scored a goal before asking for a substitution due to a knee injury.
Having flown back to Madrid, he underwent tests, which confirmed the injury, although it was not as serious as was initially feared.
The forward then took week-long holiday with his partner that sparked some debate among supporters and attracted criticism from multiple quarters.
Mbappe returned to Madrid on Monday and participated in individual sessions at Valdebebas over the past couple of days. Now he has resumed normal training with his teammates.
There had been doubts over whether Mbappe would be able to face Villarreal after he picked up the injury on 25 September.
However, the recovery plan followed by the forward appears to have worked, and he is now expected to be in a fully fit condition for Saturday’s match.
