Real Madrid have ruled out an early return to the club for youngster Marcos Llorente, currently on loan at fellow La Liga side Alaves, despite Casemiro suffering a leg fracture.
Following the Br azilian international’s injury at the weekend, rumours in Spain were rife saying the European Champions are set to recall the 21-year-old in January to add coverage to the central midfield position.
Llorente himself has ruled out ending his loan spell early, insisting he is fully focused on Alaves.
"My aim is to return in a year’s time," Llorente told Spanish publication Marca as reported by ESPN.
"Right now my focus in on Alaves. There is no clause that allows me to return in the winter transfer market and that has been said by [Alaves sporting director] Sergio Fernandez."
"We [Real and Llorente] agreed that the best thing was to leave and earn more playing time."
"It was difficult to leave Madrid but now, I’m very happy in Vitoria. I’m learning a lot."
"You can notice Casemiro’s absence, but they played well in Dortmund and I think they will win the Champions League."