Odegaard set for Real debut today
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NORWEGIAN teenage sensation Martin Odegaard could make his first appearance for Real Madrid when the European champion hosts Almeria today after being included in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for the first time.
Real beat off stiff competition from around Europe to land the 16-year-old in January, but his time with the first team has since been limited to training sessions, while he has played with the reserve team Real Madrid Castilla in the third tier of Spanish football.
However, with Los Blancos blighted by injuries and suspensions, Ancelotti hinted that Odegaard could get his first run out at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“Tomorrow in the squad there will be three youth team players,” the Italian said yesterday. “Odegaard, (Borja) Mayoral and Diego Llorente. I think two of the three will be on the bench and they could get an opportunity to play.”
Real will again be without the injured Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Luka Modric, while Dani Carvajal and Sergio Ramos sit out due to suspension.
However, Ancelotti is hopeful that Bale will be fit to face the daunting trip to Sevilla on Saturday, whilst Benzema could return in time for next week’s Champions League semifinal, first leg away to Juventus.
“We still think Bale will be fit (for Sevilla). He is doing work on his own and will do the same tomorrow. If all goes well then he will begin to train with the team again on Thursday.
“It is different for Karim, I think he will start training with the team on Sunday.”
The absence of two of Ancelotti’s preferred front three hasn’t cost Real in the past few weeks due to the stunning form of on-loan Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez.
The Mexican has struck four times in as many games, including the crucial winner in the Champions League quarter-final against Atletico Madrid.
And Ancelotti said his professionalism despite having limited playing time until Benzema’s recent injury could lead to a permanent move to the Spanish capital. “It is a subject that we will evaluate at the end of the season. What I can say is that I have liked his professionalism during the whole year.”
On Monday, Valencia moved into Champions League contention with a 4-0 win against relegation-threatened Granada.
Javi Fuego’s header and Faniel Parejo’s penalty had the hosts well in command at the break, with late efforts from Sofiane Feghouli and Alvaro Negredo completing the scoring.
Valencia’s 20th La Liga win of the campaign lifted it two points clear of Sevilla and into fourth and contention for a place in the Champions League playoffs next season.
The next instalment in the battle for the final Champions League spot sees Europa League holder Sevilla on the road at Eibar today with Valencia at Rayo Vallecano 24 hours later.
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