Real Madrid are a club that has had to constantly deal with injury problems over the years. In fact, it is a bit of a miracle that these issues have not had a major impact on their results on the pitch, as they have continuously delivered success at the top level. Let's just take last season as a prime example of this.
At the start of the season, Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao suffered long-term injuries. Two nailed-on starters in Carlo Ancelotti's side. The same happened to David Alaba, another key player for Real Madrid, in the middle of the campaign. There were several other short and medium-term fitness issues along the way.
Yet, at the end of the season, Real Madrid won a Champions League and La Liga double. That is a remarkable achievement, especially considering the circumstances. And one that perhaps does not get the recognition and appreciation it deserves due to the club's history of constant success.
Real Madrid should have a look into their never-ending injury problems though. We are just into pre-season and it looks like one player is already dealing with fitness issues.
Real Madrid player dealing with fitness issues since last week
As tweeted by Mario Cortegana, Jesus Vallejo had muscular problems since last week. He did not complete at least the last two sessions with the group before the trip and today, already in Chicago, he has had to leave the training.
Of course, Vallejo spent last season on loan at Granada and has never really gotten many chances at Santiago Bernabeu. But with Nacho Fernandez leaving this summer and Real Madrid yet to sign a centre-back to replace him, it is possible that the 27-year-old could have a squad role.
It remains to be seen how things play out. However, fitness issues at the start of pre-season are not what Vallejo would have been hoping for.