Left-footed Nigerian centre-back to sign new deal with Real Madrid, promoted to first team

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that left-footed central defender Marvelous Antolín Garzón has been promoted to the first team following the injury suffered by Éder Militão. 

Brazil international Militão is set to go under the knife after rupturing his ACL during Real Madrid's season opener against Athletic Club. 

Los Blancos manager Ancelotti has hinted that he will not delve into the transfer market to sign a replacement as they are well covered in the centre-back position. 

The Italian football tactician has been running the rule over Marvel this week with a view to handing him a call-up for Saturday evening's La Liga match against Almeria. 

In quotes relayed by Real Madrid's official website, Ancelotti said at the pre-match press conference: "We're well covered in that position, we have highly experienced players like Nacho, Rüdiger, Alaba.

"Marvel has trained with us this week and we have other guys who are making brilliant progress like Carrillo, Asencio... Until we get Militão back, we'll use the academy lads."

Meanwhile,Marca reported on Thursday that Marvel will also sign in the coming days an extension and improvement of his contract until 2026. 

The Spanish sports daily added that Ancelotti believes that Marvel has the ability to play as a left-back in addition to his main role as a central defender. 

Born in Casablanca to a Nigerian mother, Marvel joined Real Madrid's youth setup in 2010 but spent only one season at the club before moving to city rivals Atlético Madrid.

The 20-year-old returned for a second spell at Real Madrid in 2016 after stops at Alcalá (2012-2015) and Rayo Vallecano (2015-2016).

Marvel made the matchday squad against Cacereño in the third round of the Copa del Rey on January 3, but was not utilized off the bench by Ancelotti. 

Overall, he has logged 36 appearances for Real Madrid Castilla, scoring one goal, and played in eight matches in the UEFA Youth League for the U19s. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: realmadrid.com

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