Real Madrid teenage prodigy set to return from ACL injury in March – report | OneFootball

Before the start of the 2024/25 season, Real Madrid had unearthed a gem from their academy in the form of Joan Martinez.

Just 17 years old, the centre-back was called up for the pre-season tour of the USA and appeared all set to be a part of the first-team setup under Carlo Ancelotti once the actual season started.

However, tragedy struck for the teenage wonderkid as he suffered an ACL injury and had to undergo surgery, ruling him out potentially for the remainder of the season.

Martinez could return in March

But in a positive report, Jorge C Picon reports that Joan Martinez could be back in action in March with his recovery having progressed very well.

It must be remembered that Real Madrid lost as many as three academy products to ACL injuries in the summer, starting with Daniel Mesonero, then Cesar Palacios, and lastly Martinez.

Martinez expected to return in January. (Photo by Ricardo Nascimento/Getty Images for DFB)

As per the report, all three are entering the final phase of their recovery having begun working with the ball on the field and working out daily in the gym, with the sensations being very positive.

As such, the feeling is that Martinez, along with Mesonero and Palacios, could be back in the last week of March or the first week of April latest.

It will depend on the sensations of each individual but the idea is that they could be available for Castilla’s match against Murcia on March 23.

The report further adds that Real Madrid are particularly pleased with the progress of Martinez, who has worked on improving his physique and adding some muscle mass during this time.

With Raul Asencio and Jacobo Ramon getting minutes with the first-team setup, there may be a chance that Martinez, too, make his official senior debut before the season ends.