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.
According to TeamTalk, Real Madrid have joined the growing list of clubs monitoring Gabriel Rajkovic, a 15-year-old winger whose rapid development at Valerenga has already attracted attention from several of Europe’s leading sides.
The Merengues are known for keeping an eye on exciting young talent across the globe and it seems that Rajkovic’s exploits in Norway, with the first team, have alerted them.
Real Madrid keeping tabs on Rajkovic
As per the report, Real Madrid are among a host of clubs closely following the progress of the young forward.
Rajkovic holds both Norwegian and Serbian nationality and has emerged as one of the most promising young players in Norway.
His development has not gone unnoticed, with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund also understood to be monitoring him.
However, at this point, it is Arsenal and Chelsea, who are understood to be leading the charge for Rajkovic, having compiled a detailed dossier on the teenage prodigy after extensive scouting.
On top of that, the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have all watched Rajkovic in recent weeks.
Real Madrid could therefore face significant competition if they decide to step up their interest in a player who has already made an impression at senior level.
Making an impact at just 15
Rajkovic was handed a promotion to the Valerenga first-team squad in January earlier this year, when he was only 14 years old.
Following that, he signed a new contract with the club in March, when he turned 15, committing to the club until 2028.
Despite being only 15, the winger has already begun gaining experience in first-team football. In all, he has made 14 senior appearances for the Norwegian outfit, scoring three and assisting one goal.
Rajkovic has also represented Norway Under-16s, making two appearances and scoring once despite being younger than many of his teammates.
Those numbers become more impressive when his age and stage of development are taken into account.
Real Madrid have built a reputation for identifying young talent well before players reach their peak, and Rajkovic has now emerged as another name on their scouting radar.
But given the number of clubs in the race, signing the teenage wonderkid will not be easy.
