Xabi Alonso to keep a close eye on Real Madrid youth prodigy after long injury layoff | OneFootball

After missing the entire last season due to injury, Joan Martinez has finally returned to full fitness and is determined to make an impression next season.

However, Martinez’s immediate return to the pitch would have to wait as Real Madrid have chosen to take a cautious approach with the defender.

Martinez, who is considered one of the most promising talents coming out of La Fabrica in recent years, will not be an immediate part of the first-team.

Instead, Martinez will be under the watchful eye of Castilla coach Alvaro Arbeloa, who will be tasked with the responsibility of springing the defender back to full fitness, reports MARCA.

Xabi Alonso to keep a close eye

The report does, however, add that Real Madrid first-team won’t completely abandon Joan Martinez.

Joan Martinez is regarded as one of Spain’s most promising defensive prospects (Photo by Ricardo Nascimento/Getty Images for DFB)

In fact, new coach Xabi Alonso is expected to keep a close eye on the young defensive prospect throughout his spell at Castilla.

This is hardly surprising as Alonso has taken some key steps already since joining Real Madrid, notably emphasising more on youth development.

Martinez, to that end, has been identified as one of Real Madrid’s most promising prospects, who is more than capable of making a breakthrough at the highest level of football. He is rated quite highly within the camp.

For now, though, the young Spaniard is expected to report to Arbeloa on July 14. He will spend the summer and the first part of the season with Castilla, as part of his return process.

As for the first-team, Alonso is well covered, thanks to the summer addition of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen while several youth defenders have stepped up as well.