Real Madrid News
Real Madrid striker injured again after playing just three minutes
When one thinks of strikers at Real Madrid, Karim Benzema is the only name that comes to mind. Not only is that because of his insane goalscoring form but also because he has, for a major part of the season, been the only striker played by Carlo Ancelotti.
In theory, two players compete with the Frenchman for a starting spot in the team: Luka Jovic and Mariano. However, both in terms of form and fitness, the duo have struggled to make an impact under Ancelotti.
The latter, in fact, finds himself injured once again. Mariano played just three minutes in the game against Sevilla and is now ruled out for the clash against Osasuna, as was confirmed by the manager yesterday.
“Casemiro, Mariano, and Jovic suffered physical problems yesterday, and will not play tomorrow. They will be back for the Manchester City game,” he said.
Luka Jovic is ruled out through injury too, but he is in the final stages of his recovery. Nevertheless, Benzema is the only available striker for the manager at the moment.
Mariano has only appeared in eight games for Los Blancos, amassing a total of 228 minutes. However, he has regularly struggled with fitness, missing 18 games through injury.
He has no goals and one assist in La Liga this season. The club are looking to ship him away in the summer transfer window, but the operation is difficult considering that Mariano wants to stay and prove his worth to the manager.
Nevertheless, the Dominican Republic international will look for a way out, given that Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland could join in the summer. With his minutes already at an all-time low, an exit seems inevitable.
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.
