Real Madrid News
Real Madrid veteran returns from the international break with muscle overload
International breaks are always a grim prospect for football clubs across Europe, and Real Madrid are no exception.
The reigning European champions saw Eden Hazard pick up a minor knock during Belgium’s game against the Netherlands recently.
And according to Defensa Central, Luka Modric is coming back from the international break with a muscle overload in his leg.
The influential midfielder was a part of the Croatian team that featured against Denmark and Austria. Modric started and played 90 minutes in both matches. But upon his return to the Santiago Bernabeu, the midfielder had a muscle overload.
As such, he was forced to train indoor at the gym facilities. However, the issue is not too serious, and the player should get back to full fitness in no time.
Modric could be back in contention for Real Madrid’s upcoming La Liga contest against CA Osasuna. However, it will not come as a surprise to see the Croatian being rested by Carlo Ancelotti.
Modric could start in the UEFA Champions League encounter against Shakhtar Donetsk next week, where a win could put Real Madrid in the driving seat in their quest to top the group.
Ancelotti, though, will be cautious about using the 37-year-old, especially ahead of an October schedule that involves key fixtures against RB Leipzig, Sevilla and the revered El Clasico against FC Barcelona, which is set to take place on October 16.
The big news coming from the Real Madrid camp right now, though, is that Karim Benzema has returned to training and is ready to take on Osasuna this Sunday.
Real Madrid have finally received some good news as MARCA confirms that Nacho has finally made his decision about his future, and is set to continue at the club for the foreseeable future.
His contract expires in the summer, and Real Madrid had tabled an extension for the player, which was not accepted by the Spaniard at the time. Now, however, he has decided to reject offers from Juventus, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and AC Milan.
Nacho will sign a one year extension, with the option to extend for another year if both parties reach an agreement.
His continuity also means that he will be the new club captain for the 2023/24 season, since Karim Benzema is leaving the club on a free transfer in the summer. Luka Modric will be second captain, followed by Daniel Carvajal and Toni Kroos.
Carlo Ancelotti has also spoken to the player, confirming that they trust him for next season in the team, which has gone a long way in helping convince the player.
The Italian gaffer also spoke about the Spanish defender’s contract situation after the game against Athletic Club yesterday, saying:
“Asensio, Nacho and Ceballos? We have explained them their roles. The club have offered them renewals. Asensio has preferred to leave, Ceballos and Nacho are still thinking about it.”
While a centre-back by trade, Nacho has played across the defence for Madrid continuously, including putting shifts at left-back, right-back, and even centre-back.
His departure would have probably pushed Madrid to sign another defender, especially since they are considering selling Ferland Mendy if a good offer arrives.
Regardless of that, though, Madrid are moving to sign Alphonso Davies, and have already made initial contacts with the player. Bayern Munich have not rejected their advances.
Further, the los blancos management have already met with Davies’ entourage twice, cementing their interest in the Canadian ace.
