Real Madrid News
Real Madrid still remain undecided over January reinforcements – report
The big question heading into January for Real Madrid is whether or not they will make a new signing.
The team’s rocky start to the season coupled with the huge number of injuries led to widespread calls for new reinforcements, especially in the defence.
Carlo Anceotti’s men have come a long way since and are on a much better run of results. They have managed to fill the gaping voids at the back but it is clear that they are still understaffed, especially at centre-back.
Decision incoming
As relayed in a recent update by Jorge C Picon, Real Madrid are still undecided over whether or not to turn to the transfer market this winter.
Their indecision, largely, is down to the situation of David Alaba who is now nearing the final stages of his recovery.
As revealed earlier today, the Austrian star’s recovery is going on track and he may be able to make a debut for the season next month. If not, he will certainly be back on the playing field by early February.
Los Blancos see Alaba as a trump card who can fill in both at centre-back and left-back and thus see him to be the solution they so direly need. He could well be their winter signing and the club’s decision thus rests on him.
Signing a player in January has not yet been ruled out, but the club are also not convinced that it is a necessity at this point. A decision will be made in the coming weeks which will be crucial.
A new arrival will depend on a number of factors apart from the club’s assessment including the asking price, the quality of the player, and the contractual situation will all play a part.
Given Real Madrid’s history, however, it is well possible that they opt to wait for the summer before making any new signing.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid hope captain will resume group training tomorrow and be ready for Villarreal
Real Madrid received a major boost in training today as Kylian Mbappe participated in the group session, indicating his readiness for the upcoming game against Villarreal.
The French superstar had returned from international duty with a knee injury, but seems to have left it behind and appears ready to start at the Santiago Bernabeu come Saturday.
What about Federico Valverde?
Now, according to AS, Federico Valverde was not part of the group training session today at Valdebebas. Instead, he was involved in an individual session away from his teammates.
However, Real Madrid hope that their club captain will be able to resume working with the rest of the squad on Thursday, putting him in the fray to return in time for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal.
Valverde is currently recovering from an ankle sprain that he sustained in Real Madrid’s 2-1 derby defeat against Atletico Madrid prior to the international break.
The Uruguayan midfielder was on the receiving end of a harsh tackle from Kang-In Lee, which left him injured, ruling him out of action for the national team.
The 28-year-old stayed behind in Madrid and has worked hard on his recovery, with things progressing in the right direction.
What now remains to be seen is whether he can jump back into group training session on Thursday, which would put him on the path to return to action against Villarreal.
A key player for Mourinho
So far this season, Valverde has emerged as a permanent fixture in the team under new manager Jose Mourinho.
The Real Madrid captain has started all of the team’s eight matches in all competitions this term, scoring and assisting one goal apiece.
His potential availability for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal will come as a major boost for Mourinho & co. Everything will depend on how things progress in tomorrow’s training session at Valdebebas.
With Ibrahima Konate also recovering from his knee sprain, Real Madrid have only three players sidelined currently: Raul Asencio, who recently underwent surgery, Rodrygo Goes, who is a long-term absentee, and Ferland Mendy, who has resumed work with the ball.
