Xabi Alonso will keep an eye on Madrid's center-back of the future, a very important match for him

Joan Martínez returns. The promising Real Madrid center-back will play his first match this Saturday after almost a year out due to injury. It will be against Marbella, in Castilla's preseason debut. It's a special match for everyone, but especially for him.

The defender, only 17 years old, hasn't put on his kit since August 4, 2024. At that time, he played a friendly with the first team against Barcelona in the United States. Five days later, he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear during a training session in Valdebebas.

From that moment, he began a long and very demanding recovery process. Joan returned to training in May with Juvenil A, but he didn't play a single minute. The goal was clear: avoid risks and make sure his return would be at one hundred percent starting from preseason.

A very desired return

This Saturday will mark the beginning of his reintegration onto the field. Real Madrid has designed a personalized plan for him. Xabi Alonso, Álvaro Arbeloa, and Joan himself have worked together on this roadmap.

Although he's on the first team's radar, Joan will start calmly with Castilla. Arbeloa will play a key role in this stage, giving him minutes gradually. In this first match, he will play between 20 and 25 minutes. Then, he will gradually increase his participation.

Maximum caution plan

The idea is to avoid any relapse. Every step will be measured. After almost a year without competing, the club wants Joan to regain his form without pressure. Castilla's preseason, which will last almost 7 weeks (50 days), will be perfect for getting him back in shape.

Xabi Alonso will be very alert. Although he will let Arbeloa handle direct management, the first team's coach will closely monitor his progress. Joan is one of the most promising center-backs in the youth academy, and his development is marked as a priority in the medium-term plans.

This Saturday won't be just any match. For Joan Martínez, it will be the first step in his return. For Real Madrid, it's the moment to get excited again about a center-back with great potential.