Zidane discusses Neymar move, Bale and Modric injuries

Daniel Storey

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has refused to rule out a future move for Neymar.

The Brazilian superstar is unhappy with life in France after making a world-record move to Paris St Germain in the summer, according to reports in Spain.

PSG’s Spanish boss Unai Emery rejected those reports earlier in the week, but it has not stopped media speculation that the 25-year-old could be on the move again this summer.

When Zidane was asked about whether his club would be interested in Neymar before his side’s derby against Atletico Madrid on Saturday, he did not reject the idea out of hand.

He told reporters at a press conference: “Neymar is very good, for sure, but I know I have the best players here. We focus on the squad we have today, everything else we will see in the future.”

Zidane was in upbeat mood about his squad as they prepare for a first trip to face Atletico at their new Wanda Metropolitano stadium.

“The team looks good,” he added.

“We’re missing a few players, but we’ll start getting people back slowly. We’re heading into the derby in good shape.

“We know how important this game is, as always. For people on the outside it’s a special match, but for me it’s three points and we’re going to try and win it. We need to play at full throttle for 90 minutes.”

Zidane has had good news on the fitness of playmaker Luka Modric and full-back Dani Carvajal, but Wales forward Gareth Bale has suffered a setback after sustaining a thigh problem following seven weeks out with a calf strain.

“Luka was off colour yesterday but he’s fine,” Zidane said.

“Dani has been ready for a while now. He didn’t go away with the national team because it was better for him to keep working here.”

On Bale, Zidane said:

“I don’t think it’s anything serious. I think he’ll be out for three or four days and he’ll be back fit. I’m sure he’ll come back stronger than ever and I hope he’ll be 100 per cent next week and fit for the rest of the season.”

Real sit above Atletico on goal difference alone, with both sides trailing leaders Barcelona by eight points heading into the weekend.