Real Madrid 18-year-old prospect a ‘strong contender’ for debut vs CF Talavera | OneFootball

Real Madrid take on CF Talavera in their first Copa del Rey game in the Round of 32 on Wednesday night, in what should be a straightforward encounter for the team.

As such, rotations are expected to be made by manager Xabi Alonso, even more so considering the number of injuries in the squad.

Castilla youngster David Jimenez is expected to start at right-back, with no Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Fede Valverde needing a rest.

Thiago Pitarch also likely to play

Now, according to journalist Rodra of ESPN, young midfielder Thiago Pitarch is also a strong contender to start for Real Madrid against Talavera on Wednesday.

Just 18 years old, Thiago was a regular presence in the first-team squad under Xabi Alonso during the short pre-season and the early parts of the campaign, although he never made his official senior debut.

Official debut awaits. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The youngster moved back to Castilla once the injured senior midfielders made their way back, but remains a player held in high regard by the club as well as Alonso.

Pitarch was named in the squad for the weekend win against Alaves, where he was an unused substitute.

Now, though, there appears to be a strong chance that the 18-year-old La Fabrica talent plays tomorrow against Talavera to make his first-team debut for Real Madrid.

So far this term, Pitarch has played 12 times for Castilla in all competitions, scoring and assisting one goal apiece. He also has one appearance for the Real Madrid C team.

A talented midfielder, the teenager has been knocking on the first-team doors throughout this season, and his chance might finally come tomorrow against CF Talavera.