I wish there was a way to fast forward to the end of the season so we could all forget how badly Real Madrid has played. The form on the field has been less than impressive and to make matters worse, players keep getting injured in training. Last week it was Sergio Ramos, now, it is right back Alvaro Odriozola.
Luckily for manager Zinedine Zidane, Los Blancos have fullback Dani Carvajal back healthy for the first time in over two months. The bad news is that Carvajal will have to play the remaining six La Liga matches with his back up – Odriozola – done for the season.
On Thursday in training, the 23-year-old defender broke his collarbone after colliding with forward Vinícius Júnior in the Brazilian’s first session back since late January. According to reports from the Spanish media and from Zidane himself, we will likely not see Alvaro again this season.
“We’re a bit annoyed because it’s quite a bad injury,” Zizou told the press earlier today. “He’s going to have an operation this afternoon and it will be difficult for him to return this season.”
In his first year with Real Madrid, Odriozola played more than many fans expected as he made 20 appearances in all competitions and registered a goal and two assists.
After coming over from Real Sociedad in the summer, many Madridistas were curious to see what exactly the quick right back’s role would be within the club and despite playing for three manages in just one term, we now know exactly how he fits in.
Although he might not be as clinical of a passer as Carvajal, Alvaro has the quickness and the dribbling needed to be a threatening wing back and more than suitable back up.
When the regular fullback went down against Ajax in early February, Alvaro Odriozola was thrown into the spotlight and he handled the pressure admirably. The one quality that has impressed me the most has been his seemingly endless energy.
Regardless of the opponent or the time in the match, Odriozola can be seen flying down the wing trying to help out on the attack or getting back to cover on defense.
With Ramos missing from action as well, Real Madrid is stretched thin on the back line. Nacho Fernandez will likely start against Athletic Club on Sunday and Dani Carvajal will need to stay healthy through the end of May.
If something does happen to Dani, we could see Lucas Vazquez dropped deep to help. We have seen Zizou use Vazquez as a defender before and he could be tasked to do it again if anyone else is injured.
We will keep a close on ALvaro’s recovery process and keep you updated.