Open Thread: August 10, 2021

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, Ezek Ix or NeRObutBlanco.

Team updates ahead of Alaves

La Liga starts for Los Blancos next saturday against Alaves. Some team updates:

• Carvajal, Mendy, Odriozola and Kroos won’t be available for the game;
• It is unlikely Benzema will play;
• If nothing happens, Hazard will be available - his recovery process is going well;
• Modric will be the main man in the midfield. Due to Kross’ injury, Modric will have to play more minutes.
• Isco, Odegaard, Valverde, and Ceballos will fight for Kross’ position when he is out;
• Vallejo will Real Madrid’s 4th CB in the squad;
• Chust is going out on loan to Cádiz.
• Apparentely, Jovic and Mariano are not part of Ancelotti’s plans;
• Mariano doesn’t want to leave and is not considering any offers;
• Jovic wants to stay and convince Ancelotti, but he is open for a loan move;
• There is an agreement between Real and Mallorca for one year loan move for Kubo.