Real Madrid youngster expected to be available vs Real Sociedad after picking up knock against Valencia

Madrid, Spain – Real Madrid left Mestalla with three precious points and, for once, no new major injuries after Sunday’s 2-0 win over Valencia, yet one youthful name still dominated the post-match medical brief: Franco Mastantuono. The 18-year-old Argentine entered the contest in the 82nd minute and took a heavy knock to his thigh before the final whistle, forcing him to make the return journey in visible discomfort.

According to a report in AS, the blow produced a significant bruise, placing Mastantuono’s participation in Saturday’s La Liga showdown with Real Sociedad in temporary doubt. Optimism inside the club, however, remains high. Training resumes at 11:00 local time, and staff expect the swelling around the contusion to have subsided enough for the midfielder to rejoin full preparations at Valdebebas. Club medics will monitor the teenager closely and schedule additional tests only if progress stalls.

Mastantuono’s potential availability is a subplot worth watching. The summer arrival was whistled off the pitch during the previous home fixture against Rayo Vallecano, adding extra incentive for a positive response in front of the Bernabéu faithful should coach Alvaro Arbeloa decide the prodigy is ready to start. With Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo Goes and Éder Militão already sidelined, every fit body counts as Madrid look to keep pace with leaders FC Barcelona, who sit just one point ahead in the table.

Saturday’s team sheet will hinge on the next 48 hours of assessment, but early indications suggest Mastantuono will be given the green light to feature against La Real.