Rodrygo setback: Brazilian becomes major doubt for Mestalla clash
Real Madrid's attacking options continue to dwindle as Rodrygo Goes misses training with muscle overload, potentially joining Vinicius and Bellingham on the sidelines for Valencia trip.
Another blow for Xabi Alonso’s depleted attacking options as the Brazilian star faces a race against time to be fit for Sunday’s tricky away fixture.
Training no-show raises alarm bells
Rodrygo Goes was nowhere to be seen during this morning’s training session, making him a serious doubt for Real Madrid’s upcoming trip to Mestalla. The Brazilian forward is suffering from muscle overload and could join an increasingly worrying list of absentees in Los Blancos’ attacking department.
With Vinicius Jr already suspended and Jude Bellingham sidelined through injury, Xabi Alonso could be facing a proper nightmare in Valencia if Rodrygo doesn’t recover in time.
A season of struggles
It’s been a right old mare for Rodrygo recently. This latest setback follows a minor injury just three weeks ago that ruled him out of fixtures against Levante and Monaco in the Champions League. Since his return, he’s struggled to nail down a regular starting berth:
- Unused sub against Villarreal
- Red card (double yellow) against Benfica, resulting in a two-match European suspension
- Just 13 minutes of action against Rayo Vallecano
Word on the grapevine suggests Antonio Pintus, Madrid’s fitness guru, ramped up the training intensity this week – and Rodrygo’s body appears to have paid the price with this fresh setback.
Shuffling the pack
With their attack looking thinner than a supermodel on a diet, Alonso will likely partner Kylian Mbappé with Brahim Díaz and young Argentine talent Mastantuono for the Valencia clash.
The Brazilian’s struggles to recapture his importance from previous campaigns continue to be a concern for Madrid faithful. Even during the tail end of last season under Ancelotti, Rodrygo found himself dropping down the pecking order. The managerial change brought more minutes, but he’s still struggling to cement himself as a regular starter.
For a player of his undoubted quality, it’s a proper head-scratcher why he can’t find his best form. Madrid fans will be hoping this is just a temporary blip rather than a permanent decline.