Real Madrid superstar accompanied Joan Martinez to hospital and then home after picking up ACL injury days before UEFA Super Cup: Reports

Real Madrid youngster Joan Martinez suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear in his left knee during a training session with the Los Blancos first team on Friday, August 9. According to Marca, the 16-year-old was set to be called up for the UEFA Super Cup final against Atalanta on August 14, but his season could be over after the injury.

Real Madrid correspondent Mario Cortegana also reported that Los Blancos centre-back Antonio Rudiger provided support to the Spanish youngster in the wake of his injury. Rudiger helped Martinez reach the hospital and accompanied him all the way back home.

Joan Martinez was a key figure in the Real Madrid back-line during their pre-season tour of the United States, where they faced European juggernauts like Barcelona and AC Milan. Against Barcelona, he came on in the 57th minute and maintained a passing accuracy of 94% throughout the match.

Fans expected Carlo Ancelotti to give him some game-time this season, especially after the departure of Nacho Fernandez. Los Blancos missed out on signing Leny Yoro to Manchester United, which had boosted Joan Martinez's chances of clawing his way into the Real Madrid backline.

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Real Madrid reportedly targeting Manchester United full-back to bolster their defense

Manchester United v Newcastle United - Carabao Cup Final - Source: Getty (Photo by James Baylis - AMA/Getty Images)

Real Madrid are reportedly looking for reinforcements in the full-back positions, with players like Alphonso Davies and Trent Alexander-Arnold on the radar for the Spanish giants.

Spanish right-back Daniel Carvajal has been firing on all cylinders and was a key part of the club's La Liga and UEFA Champions League triumphs last season. However, he is 32 years old and Ancelotti will be looking to sign a replacement.

According to a report by GIVEMESPORT, Los Blancos could make an attempt to sign Manchester United right-back Diogo Dalot next summer. However, the 25-year-old's contract runs until 2028 and Real Madrid might need to shell out a large sum to secure the services of the Portuguese international.

Diogo Dalot was overlooked when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was the United manager, but his career seems to have resurrected after the Norwegian's departure in 2021. In the last few seasons, Dalot has been an important member of Manchester United's squad and was one of their better performers in the previous campaign.