Real Madrid: Is Marcelo’s knock serious?
By Ben Sundock
Real Madrid not only lost to Real Betis on Sunday night to slip back to second in La Liga, but they also lost fullback Marcelo to a knock before the hour mark. Is his injury serious?
Marcelo is at a crossroads in his illustrious Real Madrid career. The Brazilian left-back has been far from his best this season and will again be dealing with an injury that could see him sidelined for the third time already this season.
The number 12 has been battling with Ferland Mendy for the regular spot on the backline in Zinedine Zidane‘s first team for months and has been struggling to solidify himself as the preferred guy on the left side.
Starting the last four La Liga matches, Marcelo has looked much better than he did just last month and looks like himself getting involved offensively while remaining aware on the defensive end.
Zidane turned to Mendy in the 59th minute in Seville on Sunday with Marcelo appearing to be in discomfort although it is unclear what exactly the problem was. It is a good sign that Real Madrid has not released a medical report on the defender as of this afternoon, but that doesn’t mean Marcelo will be in the squad that hosts Eibar on Friday.
Read. 5 players who must step up after loss to Betis. light
Considering the crucial second leg matchup with Manchester City is just over a week away, having Marcelo healthy to come off the bench or starting at left-back in England is the primary focus right now.
All indicators point to this being a minor inconvenience and a cautionary move from Zizou to make sure Marcelo is healthy moving forward. The last thing Real Madrid fans want right now is another injury – especially on the left side of the team with Eden Hazard injured again – so keep those fingers crossed that this is nothing serious to worry about.
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Marcelo has missed 12 matches this season due to injury and could again miss time. The hope is that this slight knock will not ruin the great run of form he has been on as of late.