Real Madrid round-up: Marcelo, Asensio, Rodrygo, Sterling...
Marcelo and Isco are progressing well with their recoveries and Raheem Sterling, who is negotiating new terms with Manchester City, has once again been linked to Madrid.
Several of Real Madrid's internationals will be in action with their respective national teams tonight - but not Gareth Bale, he will sit out Spain's friendly meeting with Wales at the Principality in Cardiff. Sergio Ramos, Marco Asensio, Dani Ceballos and Nacho could get minutes against Wales tonight; Jesús Vallejo is expected to start for Spain's Under-21s who are in Albania for their European tie in the category with qualification already in the bag. For Varane, Courtois, Modric and Toni Kroos, it's all about this evening UEFA Nations League action with their respective teams and Julen Lopetegui will be crossing his fingers that all of them come through it injury-free...
Sick bay starting to clear out
A calf muscle injury has meant Marcelo misses Brazil's games this month (against Saudi Arabia and Argentina) but the full-back is back training as normal and should be available for Madrid's next league match at home to Levante on the 20th of the month. He gave an update on his progress at a Foundation event in Chamberí yesterday: "I'm almost back at 100% and I've been concentrating on ballwork so that I'll be fully fit for my return".
Sterling rumours
According to reports in today's Mirror, Madrid have Raheem Sterling as their second option if their plot to sign Eden Hazard founders. Sterling's contract at Manchester City expires in June 2020 and the player has been negotiating new terms with the club. However, it seems that there is some discrepancy between the kind of salary the player expects and what City are willing to pay - and with the threat that Sterling could leave on a free in little over 18 months' time, the rumour mill has gone into overdrive. The England international pockets a handsome 175,000 pounds a week and feels he's due a pay rise. No middle ground has been found yet but that doesn't imply that City are thinking of cashing in on him - or allowing him to walk away after running down his contract. Sterling hasn't hinted that he's unhappy or wants to leave and as it stands, it's just speculation.
Asensio sends message of support to Mallorca flash flood victims
Like the rest of Spain, Marco Asensio was distressed by the upsetting images of the flash floods which have rocked Mallorca this week. A native of the island, Asensio had a few words of compassion for those who have been affected: "As a Mallorquín, I would like to send all of my strength and support to the victims of the flooding in Mallorca". Rafa Nadal has been giving hands-on help by opening his academy to those who have been left homeless and even joined forces with workers in the clean-up operation in a generous and selfless act of solidarity.
Go Rodrygo
Rodrygo's performances with Santos haven't gone unnoticed in the back offices at the Bernabéu, where they have been keeping a close eye on his progress. He's doing so well that there is an outside chance Madrid could accelerate their plans to incorporate him into the first team squad after he turns 18 in January. Rodrygo's talents have also been spotted by keen-eyed journalists at The Guardian, who have included the Brazilian among the 60 most promising players in their Next Generation 2018 list.
Solari's Castilla on fire
It's all starting to go right for Santiago Solari, whose Castilla side are flying high in Group I of the Second Division B. Castilla trail leaders Ponferrafina by just two points after having taken 17 out of a possible 21 points from the first seven games of the season. Solari's troops have the chance to go top on Saturday - they'll top the table overnight if they beat Boadilla-based CF Internacional and will stay there all next week if Ponferradina stumble away at mid-table Pontevedra.