Real Madrid homegrown starlet’s future remains uncertain after injury setback | OneFootball

According to AS, Thiago Pitarch’s future at Real Madrid has become increasingly uncertain after an untimely injury disrupted what was supposed to be a crucial pre-season for the highly-rated academy midfielder.

Fresh from helping Spain win the UEFA Under-19 European Championship, the 18-year-old returned to Valdebebas determined to convince Jose Mourinho that he deserved a permanent place in the first-team squad.

Just nine days after lifting the trophy, he reported for pre-season, only to suffer a knee injury soon after. The setback is expected to keep him out for around six weeks.

Focused on recovery

Since the injury, Pitarch has been working at Real Madrid’s training complex to recover as quickly as possible.

Before the setback, his future was considered one of the more open situations within the squad.

Malaga had emerged as the club showing the strongest interest, but their absence from European competition made that option less attractive.

Pitarch is recovering from an injury. (Photo by Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images)

Pitarch has previously made clear that continuing to play in the UEFA Champions League is one of his priorities.

His injury, however, may have altered the plans for both player and club.

Castilla registration, but in Mourinho’s eyes

For now, Pitarch will once again be registered as a Castilla player for the upcoming season.

That decision is not viewed as a reflection of Mourinho’s opinion of the teenage midfielder but rather a consequence of Real Madrid’s squad limitations.

The first-team roster is already full, and potential arrivals such as Yan Diomande and Rodri would require further departures before additional registrations can be made.

As a result, Pitarch’s official registration remains with Castilla. Despite that administrative situation, the midfielder could still spend the season working primarily with Mourinho’s squad.

Last season, the La Fabrica graduate made 16 appearances for Real Madrid and earned starts in major matches against top teams including Atletico Madrid, Manchester City and Bayern Munich.

Will Thiago stay or leave? (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Former coach Alvaro Arbeloa showed considerable faith in the youngster, and Pitarch demonstrated he could perform at the highest level.

Competition has increased

This season, however, opportunities are expected to become even harder to find. The arrival of Bernardo Silva, coupled with the possible signing of Rodri, would significantly strengthen Mourinho’s midfield options.

Although Dani Ceballos has departed, the incoming additions are expected to play a far greater role, making competition for places considerably tougher.

For the moment, Pitarch’s immediate priority is recovering from injury rather than making decisions about his future.

A permanent place in Mourinho’s squad remains possible, a loan cannot be ruled out, and interest from other clubs still exists.

Until he returns to full fitness, however, the talented academy graduate’s future remains firmly up in the air.