Real Madrid coach giving nothing away over signings

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Real Madrid coach Santiago Solari on Tuesday refused to discuss the possibility of the club signing a striker during the January transfer window.

Karim Benzema was added to Madrid's long list of injuries at the weekend when he broke a finger on his right hand and although it will not require an operation, he will unavailable for Wednesday's Cup tie away to Leganes or for the big weekend Liga Santander game at home to Sevilla.

With Gareth Bale and Marco Asensio also sidelined, Mariano Diaz having suffered problems on and off since returning to the club last summer and attacking midfielder Isco out of favor, that limits Solari's attacking options, but speaking to the press ahead of the Leganes game, he refused to say whether the club would spend any money during the month.

Karim Benzema of Real Madrid leaves the pitch as a result of a finger injury during the La Liga match between Real Betis and Real Madrid at Estadio Benito Villamarin in Seville, Spain, January 13, 2019. /VCG Photo

"I always say it is not my position to explain the policy of signings. The squad we have is marvelous, with a lot of young players, a lot of experienced players and they are all 100 percent committed," said Solari.

He explained his forwards were "all different players, not necessarily specialist 'number nines'. The specialist we have is Karim Benzema and he is injured."

The injury crisis has allowed young Brazilian Vinicius Jr to claim the spotlight with some attacking displays and Solari is clearly content with the 18-year-old.

Vinicius Jr of Real Madrid (C) is being challenged by two Real Betis players during the La Liga match between Real Betis and Real Madrid at Estadio Benito Villamarin in Seville, Spain, January 13, 2019. /VCG Photo

"He has all the talent and he shows it in games," the Madrid coach said. "He only came here this year, having only just turned 18, and to have developed in the short time that he's been here, there's a lot of merit in that.

"Sometimes the youngsters have to grow up quicker than usual. They bring vibrancy to the team, supported by the more experienced players."

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency