Report: The Real Madrid star may make his Champions League debut a few days after signing with the club
Sergio Martinez could be involved in one of the most unexpected appearances for Real Madrid in recent years when Jose Mourinho’s side take on Inter Milan in their Champions League opener on Tuesday.
The midfielder joined Real Madrid from Racing Santander just days ago, but his rise has already taken him from the reserve team to the first team.
according to signMartinez has He trained with Mourinho’s first team He is now in contention for the European match at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Notably, his inclusion in Madrid’s first Champions League squad has accelerated this progress even further.
Quick upgrade for Martinez
Martinez’s rise was partly driven by circumstances within Mourinho’s team.
UEFA’s 25-man roster forced Real Madrid to make a difficult decision regarding registration after Martinez’s arrival, as the club chose to do so. Ferland left Mendy out of the competition squad.
There happens to be a mathematical reason for this call.
Real Madrid already have Mark Cucurella and Alvaro Carreras available at left-back, while Martinez gives Mourinho another option in midfield at a time when his resources are stretched thin.
It is worth noting that three midfielders, Arda Guler, Camavinga and Bernardo Silva, are suspended for the opening match of the Champions League.
Furthermore, Aurelien Chouamini is also unavailable for consideration after not featuring in any squad list this season, while Thiago remains a doubt.
Therefore, Martinez’s presence has an immediate purpose and is not just a long-term investment.
Why did Madrid have to make room?
UEFA’s scoring rules created the problem before Real Madrid could decide how best to use Martinez.
According to the guidelines, clubs can only name 25 players in their List A squad, and Real Madrid had 26 players in the first-team before Martinez’s arrival, taking the total to 27 once the new signing is added.
Thiago Petarch could be moved to List B, clinching one of those places, but Martinez cannot use the same route, leaving Madrid with another spot to vacate.
Hence, Mendy was ultimately the player left out to accommodate the newcomer.
