ESPN FC's Sid Lowe believes Real Madrid's inability to achieve results in La Liga is taking a mental toll on the players. Zinedine Zidane says he is trying to identify the problems Real Madrid are facing, but admits some mistakes are hard to comprehend. After Real Madrid's draw at Celta Vigo, the FC crew identify the issues that have seen the reigning La Liga winners fall 16 points off the top.
Athletic Bilbao currently have no plans for Real Madrid target Kepa Arrizabalaga to undergo foot surgery, sources close to the club have told ESPN FC.
The 23-year-old goalkeeper has been sidelined with metatarsalgia in his right foot since Dec. 16.
Kepa, whose contract with Athletic ends in the summer, has been strongly linked with Madrid in recent months but according to Onda Cero radio his possible transfer to Real has been temporarily put on hold after a reported medical the player underwent last week in Madrid revealed the foot problem.
Surgery would see Kepa out of action until March and the Spain international reportedly does not have it on his agenda.
"There are no plans for the time being for Kepa to undergo surgery," a club source told ESPN FC.
The club did issue a medical update on Kepa on Monday stating that the player's condition has not improved: "Kepa Arrizabalaga's discomfort around the second metatarsal of his right foot remains. A new scan was done today that showed no variations with respect to the one done last month. He will continue to do specific exercises in the gym and receive physiotherapy."
Marca reports that in view of Kepa's condition, Real would only consider signing the player in the summer and hence avoid having paying his €20 million release clause to acquire his services this month.
Athletic are unwilling to sell the Spain international and are hopeful the player will sign a new contract.
Kepa has remained tight-lipped about his future.
Adriana Garcia is a Valencia-based football writer who covers La Liga for ESPN FC.
Comments
Use a Facebook account to add a comment, subject to Facebook's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Your Facebook name, photo & other personal information you make public on Facebook will appear with your comment, and may be used on ESPN's media platforms. Learn more.
Source: espn.co.uk