Real Madrid Youngster Ruled Out for Several Months Following ACL Rupture

• Real Madrid youngster Joan Martinez has suffered an ACL injury during training, which is set to keep him sidelined for a significant portion of the 2024/25 season
• The 16-year-old centre-back had been anticipated to play a prominent role in the first team this season
• His injury represents a considerable setback for Real Madrid, who were relying on him as a key backup option

Joan Martinez has sustained an ACL injury that will likely sideline him for most of the 2024/25 season.

Real Madrid missed out on signing Leny Yoro from Manchester United and had intended to rely on Martinez as a backup.

With Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, and Jesus Vallejo as their only available senior centre-backs, they were left short while David Alaba recovers from his own ACL injury.

Martinez had impressed during pre-season, but Football Espana reports that his season is over after the injury he sustained in training on Friday.

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With Martinez sidelined, Real Madrid now has only three senior centre-backs, leading Carlo Ancelotti to consider using midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni as emergency cover for the remainder of the season.

The 16-year-old is the third promising Madrid player to face a serious injury this summer, following Cesar Palacios, who tore his ACL in his first pre-season match, and Dani Meso, who was injured shortly thereafter.

Real Madrid are negotiating a new contract for the teenager to both reward his contributions and increase his release clause.

While Manchester United and Chelsea have been rumoured as potential suitors, Madrid is focused on retaining Martinez and avoiding a low-cost departure.

The club hopes that Martinez's youth will aid a quicker recovery, with a timeline of six to seven months suggesting a possible return around March.

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Meanwhile, David Alaba, 32, has been out since December 2023 and has yet to begin running, with his recovery significantly behind schedule.

Ancelotti picks Vinicius to win Ballon d'Or

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Ancelotti has weighed in on the Ballon d'Or race with Dani Carvajal, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius Jr. all in contention for the prestigious award.

After Real Madrid’s triumph in both La Liga and the Champions League, these three players are strong candidates for the October ceremony.

But Ancelotti believes Vinicius deserves to win the prestigious award the most.

Source: YEN.com.gh