Injured Real Madrid star likely to return for El Clasico clash against Barcelona - Reports
As per reports, Real Madrid attacker Brahim Diaz could return from injury in time to face Barcelona in the first El Clasico of the season. The 25-year-old Moroccan international has been out of contention since September 2024 with a hamstring injury. He picked it up during Madrid's 2-0 win over Real Sociedad, where he played just 25 minutes.
However, despite reports claiming he would return to full fitness by December, missing three months of action, his recuperation has sped up notably. New reports have claimed that he had returned to individual training, and he has already started doing his drills on the pitch.
According to AS (via Madrid Zone on Instagram), he could return to the pitch for Real Madrid when they face Barcelona in LaLiga. This is set to take place on October 26, with Los Blancos hosting La Blaugrana at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti sends message to Barcelona goalkeeper Ter Stegen after season-ending injury
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has commiserated with Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who suffered a season-ending injury. The goalkeeper landed awkwardly during Barca's 5-1 LaLiga win over Villarreal on September 22 and had to be stretchered off the pitch.
The club announced that he ruptured the patellar tendon in his right knee, and the recovery process would take the rest of the season. Speaking at a press conference, Carlo Ancelotti said (via beIN SPORTS):
"It makes me very sad when important players get injured, like Ter Stegen yesterday, and I hope he recovers quickly because he is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. I wish for his recovery to be as fast as possible."
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois also sent a message to Ter Stegen on social media:
"I’m sorry about your injury, Ter Stegen, it hurt a lot to see you leave the field like that. I hope you recover soon and we can see you back in goal."
Barcelona have now signed Wojciech Szczesny on a free transfer, with the former Juventus goalkeeper returning from retirement to help them get through the season. They also have an option in Inaki Pena, who has manned the sticks since Ter Stegen's injury.