Real Madrid set to Almeria in La Liga after injury crisis

Real Madrid may have won their opening-day fixture against Athletic Club 2-0, but it doesn’t mean all is going well at Santiago Bernabeu, especially with the recent injury problems that the team and Carlo Ancelotti have been dealing with.

Brazilian forward Rodrygo and summer signing Jude Bellingham both were on target in the first half, but the Los Blancos were left sweating about the fitness of defender Eder Militao just five minutes after the break, who was eventually ruled out for at least six months due to his knee injury.

This was barely days after goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois tore his ACL and was effectively ruled out of the season, forcing the club to sign Kepa Arizabalaga on loan from Chelsea. As it stands, the capital club may have to do another summer transfer deal to cover Eder Militao.

In the meantime, Carlo Ancelotti will have to focus on, Nacho, Antonio Rudiger, who replaced Militão after the injury, and David Alaba as the trip to Almeria looms on Saturday. It is unsure if Andriy Lunin will become the first choice in goal ahead of Spaniard Kepa or otherwise, but Real Madrid must make an addition to their defense.

Almeria’s hopes for their first win of the season will be a tough one as they will be at home to Real Madrid. Their first game against Rayo Vallecano ended 2-0, with both goals coming from penalties.

Meanwhile, Las Palmas’ first game on return to the top flight ended 1-1 as Jonathan Viera’s first-half penalty was canceled by a 70th-minute strike from Antonio Raillo for the visitors.

Mallorca will be at home to Villarreal on Friday (today) while Palmas travel to Valencia. Real Sociedad will be at home to Celta Vigo, while Saturday’s last game will see Osasuna host Athletic Club.

Furthermore, Barcelona will host Cadiz on Sunday, while Atletico Madrid will travel to Real Betis.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu