Real Madrid dealt bitter blow as young defender sustains ACL injury in training prior to start of 2024/25 season

Martinez, 16, received devastating news on Friday when it was confirmed that he has suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in a non-contact incident in training. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Spanish teenager will undergo surgery and be out for around six months.

Martinez has made a big impact on Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti. He joined the first team for their pre-season tour of the United States, featuring in friendlies against AC Milan and Barcelona, and was training with the senior squad when he sustained the ACL injury. So this is an unfortunate setback for a player who was expected to play a role for the first team in 2024-25.

Taking to Instagram after the injury, Martinez wrote: "I will come back stronger."

IG/@joaanmartineez

The Spain Under-17 international will be sidelined until 2025 but hopefully his rehabilitation goes well and he's able to appear for the first team in the second half of the season.