Report: Toni Kroos Likely To Miss Osasuna Clash, Targeting Return Against Liverpool
Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos is a doubt for the game against Osasuna on Saturday, February 18, as he continues to recover from gastroenteritis, reports DEPREDICT.
The Real Madrid squad returned to training soon after their recent 4-0 win over Elche and while the players did complete a detailed session, the major absentee from the group was the German.
It must be noted that Kroos was taken off in the 74th minute during Madrid’s 5-3 win over Al-Hilal in the FIFA Club World Cup final.
It is said that the player is still recovering from gastroenteritis that prevented him from playing against Elche. And now while he is not completely ruled out, the veteran German is deemed a major doubt for the clash against Osasuna this weekend.
Journalist Carlos Rodriguez even claims that the player does not want to rush himself into a quick return as he wishes to recover well for the all-important UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first-leg tie against Liverpool next week.
That potentially means that Carlo Ancelotti will once again have to shuffle his midfield to a great extent in Pamplona. A lot will depend on how the manager is planning to approach the game ahead of the crucial encounter against Liverpool.
For Kroos, if he is to return against Liverpool, the conundrum will remain as once again, Ancelotti will have to sacrifice someone at Anfield.
In any way, the focus is currently on the Osasuna game and although Kroos’ absence is, indeed, a low point, the fact remains that the likes of Thibaut Courtois and Vinicius Jr will be available for selection on Saturday. The former has recovered from his injury and the latter has served his suspension.
