Real Madrid News
Relief for Real Madrid as key midfielder is not injured, available for Elche clash
Real Madrid were triumphant against Manchester City on Wednesday, securing an important 3-0 win in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round-of-16 tie.
However, the game came with some blows as Los Blancos lost defender Ferland Mendy to a hamstring injury, which is set to rule him out of action against Elche and the reverse fixture vs Man City.
Meanwhile, key midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni also finished the game with some problem in his ankle, with the player himself confirming as much.
“I really don’t know if I have anything wrong with me,” Tchouameni said. “We’ll talk on Thursday, but the most important thing isn’t how I am, it’s the victory and how we played as a team,” he added.
No injury to Tchouameni
But, in what comes as a huge relief for Real Madrid, tests have revealed that Tchouameni has suffered any injury, according to journalist Alvaro Esteban.
Indeed, the French international underwent medical examinations today which have confirmed that there is no injury to his ankle.
As such, if nothing goes wrong, he is expected to be fit and available to face Elche this weekend in La Liga.
This will come as a huge boost for Alvaro Arbeloa and Real Madrid, considering how Tchouameni has been a permanent fixture in the team this season and delivered solid performances in midfield.
So far this season, the 26-year-old defensive midfielder has missed only four matches across all competitions, featuring in 38 games, with two goals and an assist to his name.
However, considering that Real Madrid play Manchester City again in a week, it will not come as a surprise to see Arbeloa rest Tchouameni against Elche, in which case either Eduardo Camavinga or Jorge Cestero could start as the holding midfielder.
Real Madrid News
Chelsea, Liverpool ready to move for Real Madrid midfield target in January – report
Real Madrid are keeping a close eye on Alex Scott’s situation. The AFC Bournemouth midfielder has been impressing in the Premier League and recently made his debut for the England national team.
Given their need for a midfield reinforcement, Real Madrid are tracking the youngster as the Spanish giants believe he could provide a different profile to complement their existing options.
Chelsea, Liverpool ready to move in January
According to TEAMtalk (h/t Bernabeu Digital), Real Madrid intend to continue monitoring Scott throughout the season before deciding whether to make a move in next summer’s transfer window.
However, they could face competition from the Premier League, with Liverpool and Chelsea also tracking the 23-year-old.
Both Premier League clubs are preparing substantial offers for Scott ahead of the January transfer window.
Bournemouth have placed an €80 million valuation on the midfielder, although the club have no intention of selling him in January and would prefer to consider a departure next summer.
The Cherries are already looking at potential replacements and have identified Fer Lopez as a long-term successor.
Real Madrid prepared to wait until the summer
Real Madrid are already planning their recruitment strategy for next summer, monitoring several players before deciding which targets to pursue when the transfer window opens.
For now, the Merengues are not expected to make a move for Scott in January. Instead, they intend to continue assessing his performances and availability over the coming months.
If the Bournemouth midfielder becomes available from June onwards, the Spanish capital giants will then decide whether to make a formal approach.
Their preference to wait could leave the door open for Liverpool and Chelsea to move first, particularly if either club are prepared to meet Bournemouth’s valuation during the winter window.
In the meantime, Jose Mourinho & co. are also keeping an eye on other options to strengthen their midfield. In fact, recent reports suggest that an enquiry has been made for Napoli star Scott McTominay.
The Scotsman contract with the Serie A side expires in 2028 and with his club not offering a renewal so far, he could emerge as a serious option.
