Real Madrid News
Real Madrid veteran aiming for first start of the season against Celta Vigo – report
Luka Modric has become synonymous with Real Madrid’s midfield over the years. The Croatian superstar has carved a reputation for ageing like wine and has continued to stand by his sky-high standards year after year.
However, it is difficult to deny that his influence on the team is now waning. Modric was vital to Carlo Ancelotti’s plans last year as a starter but has not enjoyed the same start to the 2023-24 campaign.
On the bench for two games
Modric did not start either of Real Madrid’s opening La Liga fixtures. He stayed on the bench until the 80-minute mark in the curtain-raiser against Athletic Club and received similar treatment in the second game against Almeria last weekend.
According to reports from AS, the 37-year-old is hoping to be a starter in the next match after starting on the bench for two consecutive games.
After all, the clash against Celta Vigo will not be easy by any means.
Ancelotti confirms Kroos and Modric’s declining role
It is now clear that Real Madrid are deep into their transition phase. With the defence and attacking partially safe in the hands of younger stars, the midfield is the last department to be phased out.
Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham, and Federico Valverde represent the new generation and are here to stay for the long term.
Recognising the same, Ancelotti admitted that Kroos and Modric would not enjoy the same prominence as before this season.
“The protagonism will be the same, but they may play a few minutes less. I don’t know.”
Modric could be well-placed to start this week against Celta Vigo, but is unlikely to be a regular name in Real Madrid’s La Liga games. His involvement in the UEFA Champions League, however, is a whole different question.
There just does not appear to be any respite from injuries for Real Madrid.
Just when it appeared that they were close to having their full squad – barring the two long-term absentees – the Merengues have been struck down by fresh injuries this week.
Arda Guler, who was on the cusp of being named in the squad for the Las Palmas clash, injured himself in training on Tuesday.
And now, during the game against Las Palmas at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid have lost key defender David Alaba to an injury.
Close to the 40th-minute mark, Alaba went down on the ground clutching his leg and appeared to be in quite a bit of discomfort.
Soon enough, the medical staff arrived to take a look at the Austrian and seconds later he was off the pitch and straight towards the tunnel.
Lucas Vazquez came on to replace the injured Alaba, with Nacho Fernandez moving into the centre-back position alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Alaba’s injury leaves Carlo Ancelotti with just two fit centre-backs in Rudiger and Nacho, which is set to be a matter of great concern.
The hope will be that Alaba’s condition is nothing serious and that he is able to mount a quick recovery.
