Real Madrid teenage prodigy closing in on return from serious injury | OneFootball

According to journalist Jorge Picon (h/t RM4Arab), Real Madrid remains fully committed to Joan Martinez’s development despite the serious injury that sidelined him last summer.

In fact, the 17-year-old defender is nearing his return, offering Carlo Ancelotti an exciting young prospect to monitor in the coming months.

It must be noted that Martinez suffered his ACL injury during the off-season, a significant setback for any young player. However, his rehabilitation process has been handled with extreme caution to prevent any complications.

In recent weeks, the youngster has gradually returned to football-related activities, and his progress has been encouraging.

While no specific return date has been set, both the player and the medical team are taking a patient approach to ensure a full recovery. As such, everything points to the fact that he will return soon.

Real Madrid are being cautious

Despite his youth and ongoing physical development, there are no doubts within the club about his potential to regain top form.

Real Madrid sees him as an important part of their future defensive structure and is even considering rewarding his resilience.

Joan Martinez is expected to return soon. (Photo by Ricardo Nascimento/Getty Images for DFB)

Some key figures within the club have suggested including Martinez in the squad for the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, allowing him to continue training with the first team and gain valuable experience at the highest level.

Youth team is growing

In recent times, Madrid’s growing reliance on academy talent has been an enforced but welcome change.

Injuries and squad limitations have led Ancelotti to turn to La Fabrica more often, and Martinez is viewed as a key figure in this approach.

While the Italian manager is not typically known for prioritising youth development, the club’s vision for the future includes a greater emphasis on homegrown talent.

The club remains cautious with Martinez’s recovery, prioritising his long-term fitness over a rushed return. However, once he is fully fit, he is expected to be integrated into the team.

Real Madrid’s faith in the young defender remains complete, and his return could mark the beginning of a promising career.