Jovic gives Mariano extra life

Jovic's misfortune could be good luck for Mariano. Football throws up these unexpected opportunities and the Spanish striker will have another chance to show that he is good enough to stay at the Bernabeu.

Jovic's injury which will see him be out for between two and three months, has thrown up an opportunity for Mariano which not even he was expecting. Now, the striker is the first option for the Real Madrid coach if he wants to take Benzema off. 

And Mariano will be needed due to the packed schedule, the hot weather and the fact the players will not be fully match fit due to the coronavirus break. Zidane will have to use all his five substitutes at his disposal in all his games.

Mariano could have more game time than in the whole of the previous season, in which he only played 35 minutes and scored a very important goal against Barcelona. 

The footballer has always said that his intention was to stay and fight for a place in the team, but the crisis will mean the player will be sold to Roma, Sevilla or another club this summer.

Before thinking about and negotiating his departure, Mariano will have the chance to make Real Madrid change their mind.