Real Madrid’s 16-year-old centre-back, Joan Martinez, has sustained an ACL injury that is likely to rule him out for most of the 2024/25 season.
Madrid had intended to rely on Martinez as cover for the senior team after missing out on signing Leny Yoro, who joined Manchester United.
With David Alaba still recovering from his own ACL injury, the team is left with just three senior centre-backs; Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, and Jesus Vallejo.
Martinez had impressed during pre-season, but his promising summer has been abruptly cut short due to the ACL injury he sustained during training on Friday, according to MARCA.
This setback leaves Madrid with limited options in defense, and manager Carlo Ancelotti may have to use midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni as emergency cover for the rest of the season.
This marks the third serious injury to a promising Madrid player this summer. Cesar Palacious tore his ACL just five minutes into his first pre-season start, and Dani Meso soon suffered a similar injury.
In response to Martinez’s impact on the first team, Madrid is reportedly working to secure him on a new contract, hoping to increase his release clause.
Despite interest from Manchester United and Chelsea, Madrid is keen to retain the young talent and avoid losing him for a low fee.
Madrid is hopeful that Martinez’s youth will aid in a quicker recovery, with a suggested timeline of six to seven months.
If all goes well, the young defender could make his return by March.
Meanwhile, Alaba, who has been out since December 2023, is still not ready to begin running, with his recovery taking longer than expected.
