Versatile midfielder Marvin Akinlabi entered into the history books as the first Nigeria-eligible footballer to play competitively for Real Madrid’s first team when he made his La Liga debut against Real Sociedad on September 20.

The Spanish-born prospect was not in Los Blancos squad for their first win of the new season, at Real Betis last weekend.

According to sports daily Marca, Akinlabi is not at the disposal of manager Zinedine Zidane for the time being as he has returned to Real Madrid Castilla.

The 20-year-old has not been pictured training with Real Madrid in recent days ahead of their first home game in 2020-21 against Valladolid at the Alfredo Di Stéfano Stadium.

Zidane has omitted Akinlabi from his matchday squad for the second game running.

One of the stars for Real Madrid's U19 team that won last month's UEFA Youth League in Switzerland, he was invited to train with the first team upon his return to Spain.

Real Madrid Castilla's first competitive match of the 2020-2021 campaign comes up against Laz Rozas on October 18.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel