While azulgranas across the globe fret over every Lionel Messi injury status update they receive (the crack returned to full training on Monday), madridistas are playing a cruel, week-long waiting game to see if el nuevo ídolo Keylor Navas will be fit for El Clásico.
A left-leg abductor problem has kept Keylor sidelined for Madrid’s past two domestic league duels, including a win against Las Palmas and a 3-2 loss to Sevilla at the Sánche Pizjuán.
The Tico goalie has been continuing a closely-monitored and extremely specific workout plan, and aims to return to full training by Thursday.
His importance to the squad cannot be downplayed. In fact, I think he might be more influential to Madrid’s success than Cristiano in what we’ve seen of this season so far. (Check here, here, and here for some Keylor loving). And while we love Kiko Casilla, it just wouldn’t be the same without Keylor between the posts against Barcelona.
As it stands, Navas has only let in three goals in nine league games this season. As if that wasn’t enough, he has yet to concede a goal in Champions League action (zero in four games). The dude has a fortified forcefield around his net, and we’re desperate to see Neymar, Luisito, and Messi try to break through it.
