Real Madrid’s defensive curse continues with another ACL blow | OneFootball

La Liga giants Real Madrid have on Friday been dealt another heavy blow on the personnel front.

This comes amid confirmation that youngster Joan Martínez has picked up a serious injury.

The name of defender Joan had of course taken its place front and centre in the headlines in Madrid for several weeks now.

As much came after the Spaniard, at just 16 years of age, was afforded a call-up to Carlo Ancelotti’s first-team squad for the club’s pre-season tour of the USA.

Amid rave reviews stemming from Real’s training ground, he was subsequently afforded appearances against both AC Milan and Barcelona, too.

With the dearth of options at the heart of the Spanish champions’ defence widespread knowledge ahead of the new campaign, the understanding was that Joan, in turn, would be handed a chance to make a name for himself at senior level at some point over the campaign ahead.

As alluded to above, however, as much, now, looks entirely out of the question.

As revealed by Real Madrid insider Mario Cortegana of The Athletic:

‘Joan Martínez has torn his ACL (left knee) during today’s training session. He will undergo surgery.’

Joan is just the latest victim of what has long been labelled something of a ‘curse’ at Real Madrid, following the likes of David Alaba, Éder Militão and Thibaut Courtois in suffering an ACL tear over the last 12 months.

Conor Laird | GSFN