EL CLASICO BOOST AS REAL MADRID EXPECT TWO STARS BACK
Real Madrid are hopeful that injured right-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal can return in time for El Clásico against Barcelona. Both are racing to be fit for the crucial match at the Bernabeu
Photo Credit: CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP
Real Madrid is probably going to be the favourite in the season's first El Clásico, which will be played at the Santiago Bernabeu in a little more than two weeks. Additionally, having at least one of their two right-backs available to play against Barcelona would improve their chances of winning.
Since both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal have had injuries in recent weeks, Xabi Alonso is currently unable to rely on them. They are thought to be nearing the conclusion of their recuperation phase, nevertheless, and just on schedule.
Raul Asencio and Federico Valverde have filled in at right-back during this time, but they might not have to do so for very long. Both Trent and Carvajal are putting in a lot of effort to be available for El Clásico, and the former may even be available sooner, according to MD.
It would have been extremely tough for Trent to return in time to play Barcelona when he tore his hamstring against Marseille in mid-September, keeping him out for 6–8 weeks. He appears to be available, though, according to the source, and he might even make a comeback to play against Real Madrid's rivals, Getafe or Juventus, in the lead-up to El Clásico.
Carvajal sustained his injury in the Madrid derby less than two weeks ago, and it will take him three to four weeks to recuperate. Like Trent, he is putting in a lot of effort to make sure he can be called upon if needed, but he will also be battling against time to be fit for El Clásico.
The future of Trent and Carvajal is still up in the air, but Real Madrid will certainly benefit from having them available when they play Barcelona.
GOAL OF MONTH SHORTLIST INCLUDES WOLTEMADE’S BRILLIANT STRIKE
Newcastle's German star Leon Woltemade is nominated for Premier League Goal of the Month for his superb flick against Brighton. Vote now for the summer signing's improvised Amex finish.
Woltemade receives Goal of the Month nomination - Credit: Getty Images
Earlier this month, the Magpies fell 2-1 against Brighton, but the German international's incredible flick tied the score.
However, the summer acquisition, who has scored six goals for United since joining from Stuttgart in the summer, grabbed attention at the Amex Stadium with a superb improvised finish from Lewis Miley's low cross.
Antoine Semenyo and Justin Kluivert of Bournemouth, Zian Flemming and Loum Tchaouna of Burnley, Chelsea's Moises Caicedo, Aston Villa's Emi Buendia, and Mo Salah of Liverpool are also on the shortlist.
Supporters of the Magpies may cast their votes for Woltemade by visiting here, and voting will begin at 1 pm GMT on Thursday, October 30. The winner will be revealed on Friday, November 7th at 1 pm GMT.
HUGE LISANDRO MARTINEZ UPDATE EMERGES AS UNITED PREPARE FOR FOREST ENCOUNTER
Manchester United receive a major boost as Lisandro Martinez returns to first-team training. The Argentine defender has been out since February with a knee injury and is now closing in on a first-team return.
Martinez injury boost lifts United spirits ahead of Nottingham Forest trip - COURTESY/PHOTO
Lisandro Martinez returns to first-team training, giving Manchester United a significant conditioning boost ahead of their Premier League matchup against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Lisandro Martinez has returned to first-team training for Manchester United, giving them a significant fitness boost ahead of their Premier League matchup against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Due to a serious knee injury sustained during a Premier League match against Crystal Palace, the Argentina international has not played for the 20-time English champions since early February.
However, Martinez has been speeding up his recuperation in recent weeks, and on Wednesday, the former Ajax centre-back was allowed to rejoin his teammates for training.
It is extremely doubtful that Martinez will play for Man United when they travel to Forest on Saturday, but the 27-year-old might return to the team for the match against Tottenham Hotspur on November 9.
Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United resumes training with the first team.
According to Man United head coach Ruben Amorim, "He’s feeling fine," last week. "I do not want to mention a single day or week because the knee is doing so wonderfully.
"I am not sure, but the team's training is about to begin. After that, Licha's rhythm will determine whether he places or not, but he is closer to starting training again.
The Red Devils will not be taking any chances with the Argentine because of the severity of the injury, and his return may be postponed until after the international break in November.
Luke Shaw's place in the starting lineup is now seriously threatened; therefore, Martinez's return is a significant boost for the 20-time English champions. Martinez is an expert in the left-sided role in the back three.
After joining Old Trafford from Ajax in the summer of 2022, the South American has made 91 appearances for the Red Devils, tallying three goals and three assists.