Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti put up the closed for business sign above the door for this transfer market on Tuesday evening, signalling there would be no more signings. Given their departures and absences, it looked as if it would be a chance to see their Castilla prospects in action.
With David Alaba injured for several more months, and Eder Militao yet to return to action with Los Blancos, it leaves just Antonio Rudiger and Jesus Vallejo as options for Ancelotti. Vallejo limped out of training on Monday night, and it looked as if his absence might open the door for Raul Asencio to start alongside Rudiger against AC Milan this evening.
Nevertheless, Diario AS report that Vallejo came through their final training session before the match unscathed, and has recovered from his muscle discomfort. He is now set to start against Milan, while Militao should feature against Barcelona in their second friendly. Real Madrid fans are also set to get a good look at new signing Endrick Felipe, who will be flanked by Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz, in an exciting front three.
Doubtless Asencio, and the other two young central defenders Jacobo Ramon or Joan Martinez, will still be in line for some minutes during their preseason tour, but their chances of making a serious impact on Ancelotti are reduced by the return of Vallejo. Traditionally, the Italian manager tends to stick with his more experienced options than blood youth players.
Speedy recovery