Real Madrid's Double Injury Recovery Overshadowed by Crushing Franco Mastantuono News
Thibaut Courtois and Federico Valverde are unlikely to be absent from any Real Madrid matches, though worries persist regarding Franco Mastantuono's ongoing groin injury.
Xabi Alonso entered November's international window with fitness concerns surrounding Courtois and Valverde. Both key players sustained muscle injuries during a physical scoreless encounter against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, raising questions about their participation during the national team break and afterward.
Neither player is anticipated to feature in this month's international matches but should recover in time for Real Madrid's away fixture against Elche on Sunday, November 23.
Valverde will not join Uruguay's squad for upcoming friendlies versus Mexico and the United States, according to MARCA. The reliable midfielder has been dealing with a hamstring problem but is only expected to be sidelined for 10 days, providing sufficient time for his comeback when La Liga action resumes. The same Spanish publication expresses even greater optimism regarding Courtois's recovery.
There appears to be "no uncertainty" regarding the Belgian's participation against Elche later this month. He will, nevertheless, skip a demanding journey to Kazakhstan with Belgium this week. Alonso has demonstrated no inclination to rotate Courtois, fielding the goalkeeper in every match he has managed so far.
Carlo Ancelotti was considerably more flexible with the goalkeeper position, displaying little hesitation in utilizing Andriy Lunin who earned the Italian's confidence after helping Madrid reach the 2024 Champions League final during Courtois's injury absence.
Real Madrid Develop Strategy for Franco Mastantuono
While neither Courtois nor Valverde are projected to miss Real Madrid selection, Mastantuono has already been absent for two consecutive matches. The promising Argentine youngster is battling a hernia, referred to in Spain as pubalgia.
This groin condition is notoriously challenging—as Barcelona's Lamine Yamal can confirm. The pain intensity varies dramatically and there is no immediate solution. Mastantuono is believed to have been experiencing this problem before withdrawing from the Liverpool trip last week and now remains on the injury list for an indefinite duration.
Madrid's approach is straightforward: gradual and careful, according to AS. Mastantuono gained 10 kg of muscle following his summer transfer and is focusing on core strengthening exercises. The November international break provides the 18-year-old opportunity to advance his rehabilitation, though his availability for Madrid this month remains uncertain.