Real Madrid academy players are afraid of being promoted for the risk of injury

Injuries are ravaging a Real Madrid team that is surviving with what little it has left. 

The match against Osasuna further fractured the squad, already short in many positions and especially weakened in defense. Ancelotti is resorting to patchwork and a few lucky academy players to complete the team. Raúl Asencio was the latest to appear and did so with great skill. But now, the excitement of the La Fábrica players is mixed with a certain fear due to all the setbacks. The physical issues are not going unnoticed by them.

In several locker room or residence talks, the older players at Valdebebas have discussed all the injuries suffered by both the first-team players and the academy players being promoted. It is believed not to be a coincidence, and there is a particular concern about anterior cruciate ligament tears. Two of the players who have fallen are from their own ranks, César Palacios and Joan Martínez, but no one is exempt. They also mention Daniel Mesonero’s injury, who had been regularly joining the first team. Militao’s injury has convinced everyone at the training ground: something is going on with the knees. There have been 22 injuries in four months, and nine ACL tears in 15.

Voices from Valdebebas tell Relevo that this is, among other things, an issue of physical demands. The physical level of the first team far exceeds that of any other training session. As a result, players often suffer muscle problems or, in some cases, more serious injuries. A clear example is Jacobo Ramón, who did preseason and the first part of the season under Ancelotti and has suffered several injuries this season. The same goes for Jeremy de León.

However, there is also some distrust regarding the physical preparation methods directed by Antonio Pintus. This concern also exists in the first team’s locker room and has even reached some offices in Valdebebas, as Relevo reported. The academy players experience much of this in their own bodies during the season, being pushed to their limits in most cases and surpassing them in some.

That said, those promoted from the lower categories are still excited about the opportunity to train alongside Vinicius, Bellingham, and the rest. It is a chance to toughen up with the best players in the world. But there is also a certain fear, knowing that the risk of injury is real, as demonstrated by the injury history. They know they must be careful and very prepared in every session to avoid getting hurt.

With the injuries to Carvajal, Tchouaméni, Militao, and Lucas Vázquez, it will be common to see several academy players in training and matchday squads. They will experience firsthand what it means to work with the best in the world. Madrid has always encouraged Ancelotti to rely on the academy, assuring him that no one will criticize his decision, although the Italian has shown more confidence in his own squad than in Raúl or Arbeloa's. Now, if injuries allow, the academy will have more presence than ever in recent years.