Returning Real Madrid prodigy ready to push for starting spot with an eye on World Cup | OneFootball

After missing four matches due to pubalgia, Real Madrid teenage prodigy Franco Mastantuono has returned to the squad today for the game against Girona.

The summer signing who arrived from River Plate missed four matches against Liverpool, Rayo Vallecano, Elche and Olympiacos due to the discomfort and pain caused by pubalgia, but has recovered is now ready.

Mastantuono eyes starting spot under Alonso

Now, according to AS, Mastantuono has every intention of pushing for a starting place at Real Madrid following his comeback, with an eye on the FIFA World Cup next year.

The 18-year-old versatile attacking midfielder has used these weeks away from the spotlight to steady himself during what has been a whirlwind start to his time at Real Madrid.

After all, the youngster became a regular starter under Xabi Alonso soon after arriving at the club before being left out of the team for important matches in a roller-coaster few months upon landing in Europe.

Back and raring to go. (Photo by Franklin Jacome/Getty Images)

These three weeks have allowed Mastantuono to care for his body without rushing, as he had entered a cycle that concerned both the medical staff and Alonso himself. The break has also helped him stabilise and prepare to push forward again.

The game against Girona is seen as the second starting point in Mastantuono’s plan. He now plans to recover his starting spot at Real Madrid and use that progress to continue climbing with the Argentine national team, eight months before the World Cup.

This is why he attended the recent Argentina training camp in Alicante despite being injured. It was a sign of commitment, similar to what he showed with Real Madrid by playing through significant pain until it became clear that he had to stop.

Mastantuono will have to fight with the likes of Arda Guler, Jude Bellingham, and Brahim Diaz for a starting spot, but he is ready for the challenge.