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Report: Real Madrid To Discuss Pepe Replacement
In light of Pepe's season-ending knee injury, Real Madrid's Sporting Commission meets today to decide what is to be done to make up for the Portuguese's absence.
Dec 14, 2009 10:41:24 AM
With star Portuguese defender Pepe now ruled out for the rest of the season and possibly the World Cup with a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), Real Madrid's Sporting Commission are meeting today [Monday] to decide upon their alternatives in central defence for the rest of the season.
As reported by AS, Madrid will explore three options in their meeting; the first is to give the starting central defensive spot to Argentine Ezequiel Garay who would partner Raul Albiol in defence; the second would be to switch Sergio Ramos, who deputised nicely as a central defender in Madrid's match against Villarreal and who is comfortable in the position, to central defence and switch Alvaro Arbeloa to the right with Marcelo on the left; and the third is to sign a central defender as a direct substitute for the injured Portuguese.
For the time being, Garay looks to be the most attractive option. After spending last season on loan at Racing, the Argentine has developed a great deal of confidence in his play and is a tall, fast defender in a similar mould to Pepe. Moreover, coach Manuel Pellegrini has already spoken of his confidence in the youngster, allowing Los Blancos to possibly sign a left-back in the winter, widely regarded as a position of need.
Madrid have made many promising signings in previous January windows, Lassana Diarra, Gonzalo Higuain, and Marcelo amongst them. By the same token, they have also made some regrettable signings such as Julien Faubert and Thomas Gravesen.
Cyrus C. Malek, Goal.com
For more on Spain click ahead to Goal.com's Spain homepage!
As reported by AS, Madrid will explore three options in their meeting; the first is to give the starting central defensive spot to Argentine Ezequiel Garay who would partner Raul Albiol in defence; the second would be to switch Sergio Ramos, who deputised nicely as a central defender in Madrid's match against Villarreal and who is comfortable in the position, to central defence and switch Alvaro Arbeloa to the right with Marcelo on the left; and the third is to sign a central defender as a direct substitute for the injured Portuguese.
For the time being, Garay looks to be the most attractive option. After spending last season on loan at Racing, the Argentine has developed a great deal of confidence in his play and is a tall, fast defender in a similar mould to Pepe. Moreover, coach Manuel Pellegrini has already spoken of his confidence in the youngster, allowing Los Blancos to possibly sign a left-back in the winter, widely regarded as a position of need.
Madrid have made many promising signings in previous January windows, Lassana Diarra, Gonzalo Higuain, and Marcelo amongst them. By the same token, they have also made some regrettable signings such as Julien Faubert and Thomas Gravesen.
Cyrus C. Malek, Goal.com
For more on Spain click ahead to Goal.com's Spain homepage!
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