Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has pointed fingers at the jam-packed fixture schedule for the growing injury list at the club.
The latest blow came when forward Brahim Díaz limped off during Madrid's 2-0 win against Real Sociedad, suffering an abductor muscle injury.
Initial fears suggested a three-month absence, but sources now say he could return in just over two months. Still, it’s not the news Madrid fans were hoping for.
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A calendar packed with trouble for Real Madrid
At a press conference ahead of Madrid's upcoming Champions League clash with Stuttgart, Ancelotti didn’t mince words.
“The problem is just the calendar. That’s it,” he said, clearly frustrated. The Real Madrid coach highlighted the new competitions and extra games this season, calling for fewer matches to protect the players. "We’ve looked at what we can do, but it’s out of our hands. The problem is a calendar that’s too demanding."
While injuries have hit key midfielders like Jude Bellingham, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, and Dani Ceballos, Ancelotti had some good news: Bellingham and Tchouaméni are back and ready for Tuesday's game.
🚨⚪️ Jude Bellingham and Aurélien Tchouaméni are both back from their injury and available for Real Madrid.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 16, 2024
“The problem is just the calendar. That’s it”, says Carlo Ancelotti. pic.twitter.com/DIIVtXKB2i
But with more matches piling up, fans are left biting their nails, wondering who might go down next.
Ancelotti also touched on Vinícius Júnior’s recent goal celebration, where the forward put a finger to his lips to hush the crowd after a penalty.
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Critics haven’t been kind, but Ancelotti defended his player, stating, “It’s a reaction to something ugly. Nobody could put up with that.” Defender Dani Carvajal chimed in, adding, “If you get pricked, you bleed. It’s normal he responds with certain gestures.”
With more games ahead, Madrid fans will be hoping the injury list doesn’t keep growing – because right now, the fixture list is delivering more bruises than wins.
