More players on the sidelines than usual Injuries a Real worry

Nobody is more surprised by the number of injuries that have ravaged the Real Madrid squad so far this season than the players themselves, e...

Nobody is more surprised by the number of injuries that have ravaged the Real Madrid squad so far this season than the players themselves, especially considering the club boasts a vast medical team.

'Los Blancos' have been outsourcing medical services for over five years with Sanitas overseeing the players' well-being. The man in charge of this operation is Carlos Díez, although he has spent less and less time with the first team recently.

A new medical branch has been in existence since last year, however, which involves more direct contact with the players. Jesús Olmo, who appears in photos of the team celebrating in Marrakech, is the head having joined the club through Jerónimo Farré, who is a cardiologist at the Jiménez Díaz Foundation and a Real Madrid board member.

Within the realms of causes of injury, there are several factors to analyse. Rest time, diet and training methods can have an influence. With regard to player diets, for example, a new team has been in place since Ancelotti's appointment.

Mino Fulco, the Italian coach's son-in-law, is entrusted with that role. Physical training, which is key to preventing injury, is down to Giovanni Mauri, who works alongside his son and Ancelotti's too.

Training methods are Paul Clement's forte, which is of little surprise given the Englishman was Ancelotti's assistant during his time at Chelsea and has not relinquished the role ever since. Jack Nayler is also part of the team as a player data analyst.