Real Madrid News
Real Madrid winger absent for Girona clash due to training injury – report
Real Madrid take on Girona tomorrow at Montilivi, hoping to maintain their second spot in the league, amid pressure from cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid.
The reigning European champions have announced their squad, featuring youngsters such as Sergio Arribas and Mario Martin. Eden Hazard was one of the major absentees from the squad.
According to Jorge C Picon, Hazard missed out of the Real Madrid squad to face Girona because of a blow to his ankle during training today. The attacker is set to undergo tests to determine the extent of his injury.
This serves as yet another blow for Hazard, who has had a forgettable spell at Real Madrid. He has struggled with a series of injuries, which has led to his dissipating role in the first team. The Belgian has only featured in just five league matches this term.
Hazard is also yet to score in La Liga this season, which is indicative of his dismal record at Real Madrid. However, it must be noted that the attacker was unlikely to feature even if he was fit.
Over the last nine league matches, Hazard was part of the Real Madrid squad all nine times. But the former Chelsea superstar featured on the pitch only twice during that period, with Carlo Ancelotti favouring other options.
When asked today if the Belgian had spoken to him about his situation, Ancelotti said: “We haven’t spoken much. I don’t ask players to come and talk. If they need to talk, I’m always ready.”
Hazard’s chances of featuring in the team could have increased during the final phase of the league campaign as Real Madrid would be focusing on the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Champions League. But his recent injury means that it is unlikely to happen any longer.
Real Madrid set out on a mission to change the minds of Dani Ceballos, Marco Asensio and Nacho Fernandez earlier this week. After all, all three players were contemplating a departure from the club for a gross lack of minutes.
Los Blancos’ latest approach seems to have impacted Ceballos’ position in a positive fashion. However, Fabrizio Romano reveals that it has not changed Marco Asensio’s mind.
According to the Italian journalist, the Spaniard will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season as a free agent.
Of the numerous options on his table, he sees Aston Villa and PSG to be the best bets. In fact, Villa have already submitted their opening bid for the player as revealed by Fabrizio Romano once again.
After a dramatic final day of action in the Premier League, Aston Villa finished in the European spots and will participate in the UEFA Conference League next season. While a move to the English club would be a steep step down, it will see Asensio receive regular playing time.
Paris-Saint Germain, on that front, appears the more probable destination. The French club are close to losing both Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr ahead of the new season, and Asensio would thus fit in as a starting quality winger. Moreover, they offer Champions League football.
The Spaniard’s role at Real Madrid this season has not been minor by any means considering his contributions. In 30 La Liga appearances, the 27-year-old has scored nine goals and provided six assists in addition to creating nine big chances and averaging 1.4 key passes per game.
However, that does not satisfy the winger who wishes to be a starter week in and week out. His departure in June appears to be now written in stone, and the club should feel hard done to not make a penny of his move.
Many in Los Blancos’ administration see Brahim Diaz as a direct replacement for the Spanish international if he leaves. Needless to say, the AC Milan star’s future will closely depend on Asensio’s situation.
