Real Madrid News
River Plate boss opens door for Real Madrid star’s comeback: ‘We wait for him with open arms’
Of Real Madrid’s four summer signings, Franco Mastantuono has been the least impressive or impactful on the field, so much so that the other three are assured starters, but he cannot say the same about himself.
The Argentine talent started strong under Xabi Alonso but began to lose steam towards November and December as he battled with pubalgia.
He returned in January under Alvaro Arbeloa and looked set to establish himself as an undisputed starter on the right wing, but he has fallen in prominence ever since and is now staring at a potential departure in June.
Real Madrid bet on him and do wish to keep control of his future, but a departure on loan is now seen as the most likely decision in June.
Former manager speaks
River Plate manager Eduardo Coudet was asked about Mastantuono and the player’s situation at Real Madrid in a recent press briefing, and the coach did not shy away from revealing that they were closely monitoring him.
In fact, he openly declared that the doors are open for the young attacker to return to his former club as well.
“We wait for him with open arms,” he began.
Explaining why Mastantuono was having trouble adapting to Real Madrid despite being seen as one of the best young talents in the world, Coudet said,
“It’s different, it’s a different kind of football, no. I don’t think he has not adapted. In fact, when he did, for me, he did it well.”
Finally, he admitted that the internal competition at Real Madrid was brutal and that the player’s chances were being affected by the quality of players competing with him.
“He has internal competition? Terrible, with several players of similar characteristics, understanding that they have been around longer,” he said, referring to Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz.
Source: Ole
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid hope captain will resume group training tomorrow and be ready for Villarreal
Real Madrid received a major boost in training today as Kylian Mbappe participated in the group session, indicating his readiness for the upcoming game against Villarreal.
The French superstar had returned from international duty with a knee injury, but seems to have left it behind and appears ready to start at the Santiago Bernabeu come Saturday.
What about Federico Valverde?
Now, according to AS, Federico Valverde was not part of the group training session today at Valdebebas. Instead, he was involved in an individual session away from his teammates.
However, Real Madrid hope that their club captain will be able to resume working with the rest of the squad on Thursday, putting him in the fray to return in time for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal.
Valverde is currently recovering from an ankle sprain that he sustained in Real Madrid’s 2-1 derby defeat against Atletico Madrid prior to the international break.
The Uruguayan midfielder was on the receiving end of a harsh tackle from Kang-In Lee, which left him injured, ruling him out of action for the national team.
The 28-year-old stayed behind in Madrid and has worked hard on his recovery, with things progressing in the right direction.
What now remains to be seen is whether he can jump back into group training session on Thursday, which would put him on the path to return to action against Villarreal.
A key player for Mourinho
So far this season, Valverde has emerged as a permanent fixture in the team under new manager Jose Mourinho.
The Real Madrid captain has started all of the team’s eight matches in all competitions this term, scoring and assisting one goal apiece.
His potential availability for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal will come as a major boost for Mourinho & co. Everything will depend on how things progress in tomorrow’s training session at Valdebebas.
With Ibrahima Konate also recovering from his knee sprain, Real Madrid have only three players sidelined currently: Raul Asencio, who recently underwent surgery, Rodrygo Goes, who is a long-term absentee, and Ferland Mendy, who has resumed work with the ball.
