Open Thread: November 27, 2020.

Hola Madridistas!

The Open Thread/Daily Merengue is a place where you can discuss anything and everything related to football. Feel free to discuss the topics presented here, or start your very own discussions! The Open thread will be posted every day by one of the mods: Valyrian Steel, Felipejack, YoSnail or Oscnar.

Talks ongoing to get fans back in stadiums in Spain

During the last week or so, we have learned that fans will be able to return back to stadiums, although a heavily restricted number, in “low-risk areas” in the Premier League. At the moment, it seems that the same kind of discussion is going on in Spain. La Liga president Tebas said that the league is talking with the government to get about 3 000 people to attend the games, where the pandemic-situations makes it possible (he mentioned the Canarias, Balearic Islands and Madrid as possible locations). The government on the other hand would like to make it possible all over Spain at once, which would basically require the all of the country to be in a equally good situation. So at the moment, it is still unclear when fans, even a limited amount, will be able to return to La Liga.

Militao back to full training

MIlitao returned to full training with the squad, during the session after the Inter-game. With Militao seemingly back, Real still have 5 absentees to think about.:

Odriozola’s calf injury (that has kept him out of action for almost two months now, with return date unknown)

Valverde’s leg fracture (at the moment we are looking at a return in late-December)

Luka Jovic (who is isolating at home, and should return at around week 2 of december)

Sergio Ramos’s Muscle fiber tear (most likely a return in early December)

Karim Benzema’s somewhat unknown injury (A strange one, as the first news were that he would be ready to face Villareal, but has still not returned to full training)

Dortmund director shoots down Haaland rumors

With all of the footballing world talking about Erling Haaland, and possible destinations for him to transfer to, Dortmund director Zorc has had his say on the subject. In a press conference ahead of the game against Köln, he said that the club is planning for the long term with Haaland, and that rumors don’t have to be dealt with at all.

So. Playing hardball or do you think Dortmund will keep him?

Renewals on the way?

According to Marca, all of Modric, Nacho, Lucas and Ramos are thinking of signing a new contract. There have been conflicting reports during the last weeks regarding this subject, so will be interesting to actually see who stays and who goes.