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Real Madrid are reportedly set to open contract renewal talks with veteran right-back Dani Carvajal. The 32-year-old has expressed his desire to remain with Los Blancos, and the club seems keen to reward his loyalty with a new deal. According to Fabrizio Romano, discussions over the renewal will begin shortly, with both parties eager to extend their partnership.
Traditionally, Real Madrid offers only one-year contracts to players over 30 years. However, according to Football Espana, Los Blancos could make an exception for Carvajal. Given his string of stellar performances through the 2023-24 season, it would be understandable if the club decides to break this rule.
Carvajal has blown a second wind into his career, reclaiming his crown as one of the top right-backs in European football. The full-back has been pivotal in Madrid's successes in recent years.
Though the club is reportedly eyeing Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, who could be available on a free transfer next summer, it is unlikely to impact Carvajal’s role immediately. How the two might coexist if Alexander-Arnold were to arrive remains an intriguing prospect.
Meanwhile, Carvajal has already made nine appearances in the ongoing season, scoring and assisting once each.
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois sidelined with hip injury ahead of Champions League clash
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is set to miss the next few weeks after suffering a hip muscle injury during his side’s 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid. The club confirmed Courtois’ diagnosis after medical tests were conducted earlier on September 30.
The injury will see the Belgian shot-stopper miss key fixtures, including Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Lille and next weekend’s La Liga encounter with Villarreal. Spanish media have reported that Courtois is expected to return by mid-October, after the upcoming international break.
In a statement, Los Blancos said (via Sportstar),
"After tests carried out today on our player Thibaut Courtois by the Real Madrid medical services, he has been diagnosed with an abductor injury."
Courtois sustained the injury during the Madrid derby. The 31-year-old goalkeeper spent a significant portion of last season recovering from a serious knee injury but he returned in time to help Real Madrid secure their Champions League victory.
In his absence, Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin is expected to step up, as he did for much of last season when Courtois was sidelined. Carlo Ancelotti will be hoping for a swift recovery as Courtois remains a crucial figure in their lineup.
