Real Madrid have included 19-year-old midfielder Sergio Martinez in first-team training for the first time as they continue preparations for Friday’s La Liga meeting with Real Betis.
Martinez was present as the Madrid club completed its second training session ahead of the fourth-round fixture. He joined Real Madrid from Racing on 31 August in a deal worth about €3m.
The teenager is expected to play for Real Madrid Castilla, the club’s reserve side, but the Spanish champions intend to involve him periodically in first-team sessions, according to Marca. His appearance on the training field was the main development from the latest session.
The move gives Martinez an early opportunity to work alongside Real Madrid’s senior squad after completing his transfer at the end of August. Although his competitive football will be with Castilla, the club’s plans mean he is expected to remain available for occasional training with the first team.
Real Madrid are using the week to prepare for their next league match, with Betis due to visit on Friday. The fixture will be the fourth round of the La Liga season.
Injured players remain absent
The club’s injury situation was otherwise unchanged. Aurelien Tchouameni, Marco Asensio, Ferland Mendy, Eder Militao, Rodrygo, Endrick and Thiago all continued their recovery programmes away from full training.
None of those players is expected to be included in the squad for the upcoming match against Betis.
Their continued absence leaves Martinez as the most notable feature of the latest session, while the rest of the available first-team group maintains its preparations for Friday’s game. The midfielder’s promotion for training does not change his expected role with Castilla, but it reflects Real Madrid’s intention to give him regular exposure to senior-level work.