Real Madrid 21-year-old homegrown star set for first-team debut in Copa del Rey tie | OneFootball

After achieving temporary relief with a win over Alaves, Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid take on CF Talavera later this week in their Copa del Rey opener.

Given the number of injury problems, the manager is expected to make rotations and give opportunities to fringe players and some young talent coming through the academy ranks.

David Jimenez to start vs Talavera?

In that regard, MARCA reports that after Victor Valdepenas’ debut against Alaves, David Jimenez is set to be the next Castilla player to break into the Real Madrid starting XI in an official match.

Indeed, the 21-year-old right-back is in line to make his official debut for Los Blancos with a starting berth in the Copa del Rey encounter against Talavera.

With no Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Federico Valverde needing a break, given that he has been playing with pain, Jimenez, in all likelihood, will get the nod as the right-sided full-back in the Round of 32 cup tie.

David Jimenez set for his first-team debut? (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Alonso has already called up Jimenez for two La Liga matches, against Espanyol and Levante, and one Champions League fixture against Kairat Almaty, but the academy product did not make his debut. Last season he was also summoned by Carlo Ancelotti as well.

Jimenez is in his 13th consecutive season at the club, having joined La Fabrica in 2013 with at the Benjamin A level.

The 21-year-old defender has been a key figure in Alvaro Arbeloa’s Castilla setup, having played 14 of the 19 matches contested by the team across the league and the Premier League International Cup. He has registered a goal and four assists.

Known for his attacking attributes and set-piece ability, Jimenez will now follow in Valdepenas’ footsteps and make his first-team debut on Wednesday.