Real Madrid News
Real Madrid superstar duo expected to be available for Almeria clash
In a positive development, Real Madrid could welcome back key duo Karim Benzema and Thibaut Courtois for the upcoming La Liga game against UD Almeria.
Indeed, according to a report from Sergio Quirante, Benzema returned to training today and is ready to feature in the upcoming La Liga clash on Saturday.
At the same time, Arancha Rodriguez (via RM4Arab) has claimed that Courtois is continuing to recover positively from gastroenteritis and should be ready to play against Almeria as well.
Both Benzema and Courtois missed the last game against Girona, which Real Madrid lost 4-2 away from home.
The French forward had to sit out due to some discomfort he felt earlier in the week. Courtois, meanwhile, was a late withdrawal from the squad list as he was sidelined with a stomach bug on the morning of the match.
The key duo’s absence was severely felt on the night in Catalonia as Girona tore apart the team on their way to a 4-2 win. Rodrygo Goes, who stood in for Benzema in the No. 9 slot, had an ordinary game while Andriy Lunin, who replaced Courtois in goal was also poor.
So, their potential return ahead of the match against Almeria is a big boost for Real Madrid, although it remains to be seen whether Carlo Ancelotti is prepared to risk either of them keeping in mind the important fixtures coming up next month.
There was more positive news as defensive duo David Alaba and Ferland Mendy did some light work on the pitch as they continue recovering from their respective injury problems.
The plan for them is to available for the Copa del Rey final against Osasuna on May 6, and it remains to be seen if they can recover in time.
But at the same time, Luka Modric and Marco Asensio were not involved in team training after picking up knocks against Girona in midweek. There is a possibility that the former could be rested against Almeria.
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.
