Real Madrid: Jesús Vallejo suffers yet another injury setback
By Ben Sundock
Young Real Madrid center back Jesús Vallejo suffered yet another injury in training on Monday afternoon and is set to miss more time due to a muscular problem.
Seeing a 22-year-old player leave a training session in tears while being consoled by his manager is something you never want to see in the beautiful game. Due to repetitive problems with different muscles in his legs, Jesús Vallejo has never managed to get his career going at Real Madrid.
After spending two seasons on loan with Real Zaragoza and Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany, Madridistas expected big things from Vallejo when was retained at his parent club for the 2017/2018 season by then manager Zinedine Zidane.
But, the Spanish defender has not lived up to the high expectations because of the stunning number of injuries he has suffered.
In 18 months with Los Blancos, Vallejo has featured in just 14 matches. So far this season, he has played in just two: the Copa Del Rey round of 32 first leg in October and the Champions League group stage finale against CSKA Moscow in December.
Otherwise, the promising player has been fighting his way back at the Valadebebas training facilities with the Real Madrid medical staff.
Vallejo was expected to return to the lineup on Wednesday for the away leg of the Copa round of 16 against Leganés, but that will not be the case as he suffered his fourth muscular problem of the season in training, according to reports from Marca.
Vallejo was forced to depart from training early and appeared to be in significant pain as he talked to his manager.
The recap of Monday’s session released by the club made no mention of Vallejo’s name or possible injury, however, there was some good news. Marco Asensio, Marcos Llorente, Toni Kroos, Gareth Bale, and Thibaut Courtois were all out running on the pitch as they continue to rehab ailments.
Karim Benzema was also seen running on the pitch with the group of injured players just one day after breaking a finger. He isn’t expected to be match fit for some time, so it is good to see him staying somewhat fit.
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Fans have long complained about Gareth Bale’s injury problems over the course of his career in Spain, and it now seems fitting to do the same with Jesús Vallejo. The young defender may not have proven himself to be a key player like Bale has, but the same judgment should be cast regardless.
When injuries begin to mount up as they have in recent weeks, depth is critical. Having a key depth defender out constantly is hindering the team and has shown already this season. Talks must be had within the club as to whether or not Vallejo is the right player to have moving forward.