Open Thread: December 29, 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.

The team continues its preparations for the clash with Elche.

he Real Madrid squad completed its second training session in preparation for the next outing on matchday 16 of LaLiga against Elche at the Martínez Valero stadium. Los Blancos have a full squad available with the only notable absentee being Rodrygo, who will be out for approximately 3 months.

AS reported that it’s very unlikely that Zidane will rotate against Elche, he’ll go with his gala-eleven once again. Zidane knows his team suffers against the lesser names in the league and for that reason he won’t take any risks.

Elche report.

Elche come into this game on the back of a 2-2 draw against 10-man Osasuna on Tuesday at the Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero, with goals from winger Fidel and Argentinian striker Guido Carrillo. Elche have no known injury issues, and manager Jorge Almiron is expected to have a fully-fit squad at his disposal. Los Franjiverdes currently sit 16 in La Liga and have not actually won in Spain’s top flight since October 23, but they do have two games in hand on a number of teams around them and therefore their position in the table is far from disastrous.

Elche could again be without the services of Omenuke Mfulu against Madrid, while Diego Gonzalez is an injury doubt, meaning that Dani Calvo could earn another start in a defensive area. Almiron has options for change, with Victor Rodriguez, Pere Milla and Nino all available, but the manager is expected to keep faith with the majority of the XI that started against Osasuna. Lucas Boye should again get the nod over Guido Carrillo in the centre-forward position, while Raul Guti could earn a spot in the middle of the park.

Elche Predicted XI (4-3-3): Edgar Badia, Antonio Barragan, Gonzalo Verdu, Dani Calvo, Juan Sanchez Mino, Ivan Marcone, Tete Morente, Fidel, Josan, Lucas Boye, Raul Guti

Jovic, Isco, Vinicius and Kubo Rumors.

As reported by Lucas Navarrete Real Madrid are open to sending Jovic out on loan this winter. The club believes that with minutes the striker is a recoverable player. Interestingly Fabrizio Romano reported that if a significant offer arrives for Luka Jovic, Real Madrid will sell the Serbian. The club offered the striker to Man United back in September but they refused to sign him.

AS is reporting that Isco has made a firm decision of leaving Real Madrid at the end of this season and he’s leaning towards joining Sevilla. Isco knows Zidane won’t allow him to move in January but this is most likely his last season at Real Madrid.

According to a report from Bernabeu Digital, Vinicius Junior is not interested in leaving Real Madrid on loan this winter. He wants to finish the 2020-2021 season with the club and show Zinedine Zidane why he should be a regular part of his team.

Arancha Rodríguez reported that there are many teams interested to have Kubo on loan, but a lot can’t due to limited non-EU spots. Getafe can and they are heavily interested.

Ramos’ contract negotiations.

With Modric having seemingly reached an agreement to renew for a year all eyes now turn towards El Capitan who’s contract is also expiring in the summer. He will be free to negotiate with other clubs in January 2021. Fabrizio Romano reported that Ramos wants a two year contract with the same money and it’s totally up to Florentino Perez now. The captain wants to stay and to play in the new stadium. For his part Ramos offered a cryptic “We’ll see” regarding the matter as reported by Lucas Navarrete.