REAL MADRID FACE FEDERICO VALVERDE AND THIBAUT COURTOIS INJURY CONCERNS AFTER RAYO VALLECANO CLASH
Real Madrid drew 0-0 with Rayo Vallecano and suffered a potential double injury blow. Federico Valverde and Thibaut Courtois are set for medical tests after picking up knocks in the match.
Real Madrid goalkeeper Courtois - (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Rayo Vallecano held Real Madrid to a goalless draw at Vallecas, continuing their dismal recent play.
The team struggled with dynamism and creativity in the last third of their game, which was their last before the international break in November.
Barcelona has a great chance to close the deficit at the top of the table after the draw. As though it were not enough, it seems that a few Real Madrid players were also knocked out during the match against Vallecano.
Tomorrow, Valverde and Courtois will be tested
Thibaut Courtois and Federico Valverde both experienced bodily discomfort at the end of the match, according to MARCA, and are expected to have medical examinations tomorrow.
After experiencing pain in his right adductor muscle, Valverde was replaced in the closing minutes. Before allowing him to play for the Uruguayan national team, the club's medical staff will now evaluate his condition.
"An alternative form of discomfort... was alright before the game," Xabi Alonso admitted during the news conference held after the game.
The Belgian goalie's condition seems to be a strain in his right thigh. To rule out a more serious condition, Courtois' injury will also need to be examined.
Caution is advised at Real Madrid; hopefully, neither injury is severe. Whether both players can join their international duties or if they must remain in Madrid to recuperate will depend on the outcome of Monday's examinations.
Real Madrid will be hoping that any issues that may arise will be resolved during the international break and will not be permanent.
REAL MADRID EYE £55M LIVERPOOL GEM, JANUARY MOVE DECISION REVEALED
Real Madrid are keen on Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister, with Xabi Alonso reportedly an admirer. However, sources confirm the midfielder is happy at Anfield and a January move is highly unlikely.
Xabi Alonso pushes for Alexis Mac Allister, Real Madrid learn the answer - COURTESY/PHOTO
According to two trustworthy sources, Real Madrid will be extremely disappointed if they think Alexis Mac Allister will depart Liverpool and sign with Xabi Alonso's team during the January transfer window.
Liverpool defeated Real Madrid 1-0 at Anfield on Tuesday night in the Champions League, with Mac Allister playing a key role. The 26-year-old Argentina international midfielder not only scored the game-winning goal in the 61st minute, but he also dominated play and put on an all-around performance in the middle of the park.
Fichajes claims that manager Xabi Alonso was impressed by Mac Allister's performance against Real Madrid and informed Los Blancos that he "urgently needs" the former Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder in his squad.
This follows rumours that Real Madrid was "making steps to sign Alexis Mac Allister" last month, with a January deal "not ruled out," according to the English media.
The idea that Mac Allister will leave Liverpool in January has been refuted by transfer journalist Pete O'Rourke, who has stated that the midfield player, who cost the reigning Premier League champions £55 million (€63.2 million, $73.7 million, with add-ons) when they purchased him in 2023, is content at Anfield.
"This conjecture regarding Mac Allister and Real Madrid has been going on for a time now," O'Rourke told Football Insider.
There has been discussion about it during the last few transfer windows. You simply never know.
We are aware that Real Madrid is most likely currently lacking a midfield player. Luka Modric and Toni Kroos have not really been replaced in that midfield engine room.
In a recent statement, his father expressed his admiration for the interest and stated that he would never rule out a move to a major club like Real Madrid.
To be fair to the player, he denied rumours in the summer, claiming that no contact had been made and that he was content at Liverpool.
It is merely conjecture as of right now. Both he and Liverpool are content with Mac Allister. Therefore, I do not anticipate a move on that one in the near future.
"As I previously stated, Madrid, we will undoubtedly be examining some guys as they often do."
What TEAMtalk has learned about Alexis Mac Allister via sources
TEAMtalk is also aware that Liverpool is content with Mac Allister and has no plans to let go of their Argentine star anytime soon.
We can verify that Mac Allister, who has already won the Premier League and the Carabao Cup with Liverpool, is a target for Real Madrid.
On September 20, our transfer expert Dean Jones stated: "At this time, Liverpool has not publicly stated its position on Mac Allister other than that they intend to have him play a key role in their squad for the remainder of the season.
However, based on my investigations, the Real Madrid connections appear to be real. He is very grounded and unlikely to become agitated like some players do.
"I would not go so far as to claim he would be untouchable at the end of the season, but Liverpool supporters will not want to hear about any transfer ties between them and Madrid right now."
The midfielder, who won the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Copa America with Argentina, is content at Liverpool and will make his own decisions, according to statements made in public by Mac Allister's father.
On November 4, Carlos Mac Allister was quoted by the Liverpool Echo as saying: "I read the rumours, but that is all they were." No communication was made.
"Anyway, it is always pleasant when my son is associated with the world's most prestigious clubs. Real Madrid and Liverpool are both very large clubs, so we must take responsibility and show respect for the organisation he is a part of and that had faith in him.
"I must exercise caution. He now plays for Liverpool. He will have to make his own choices in the future if the chance presents itself and it is suitable.
That is how I brought them up. They have the duty to act in accordance with their own judgment, and I am free to express my opinion.
MADRID MIDFIELDER FEDE VALVERDE TO HAVE GROIN INJURY EXAMINED ON THURSDAY
Real Madrid's Fede Valverde is set for tests on a groin injury suffered against Liverpool. The midfielder could be sidelined for weeks, a major blow ahead of a crucial run of five consecutive away games.
Real Madrid learn extent of Fede Valverde injury after Liverpool - COURTESY/PHOTO
Fede Valverde, a midfielder for Real Madrid, is set to undergo tests to ascertain the severity of the groin injury he sustained during Tuesday's 1-0 loss to Liverpool. Although the team will release an injury report later today, Valverde had to leave the field and appears to have suffered an injury that could keep him out for several weeks.
Since Carvajal is also sidelined due to a knee injury, Trent Alexander-Arnold will be the clear favourite to start at right-back in his place. Real Madrid currently has no contenders for that position, although Alexander-Arnold recently returned and will probably be rusty.
With five straight away games against Rayo Vallecano, Elche, Olympiakos, Girona, and Athletic Bilbao, Los Blancos have a challenging schedule. Even while that opposition is doable, Real Madrid will have a difficult time winning all five away games, especially if Valverde is forced to miss them all.