Real Madrid youngster Sergio Martínez set for first-team bench against Betis

Sergio Martínez is set to be included in Real Madrid’s first-team matchday plans for Friday’s LaLiga trip to Real Betis, just days after joining the club from Racing Santander.

José Mourinho confirmed on Thursday that the 19-year-old midfielder is expected to be on the bench at the Benito Villamarín after spending the past two days training with the senior squad.

Martínez was signed primarily for Real Madrid Castilla rather than as an immediate first-team addition, but his early involvement under Mourinho has already provided him with an opportunity to move closer to the senior side.

“The plan is for him to be on the bench tomorrow,” Mourinho said at his pre-match press conference, while stressing that Martínez has only completed two sessions with the first team.

The Real Madrid coach made clear that no decision has been made over whether the midfielder will feature against Betis. Martínez is expected to be part of the group alongside academy players Rivas and Cestero, with Mourinho describing his inclusion itself as a step forward.

Real Madrid list Martínez as a Castilla midfielder following his summer move from Racing, where he progressed through the youth system before breaking into the senior side. He is also a Spain Under-19 international.

Mourinho said the club had identified Martínez as a player with the potential to eventually establish himself at first-team level, while emphasising that his immediate development will depend on adapting to the increased quality and intensity at Real Madrid.

Friday’s fixture could therefore provide Martínez with his first experience of a senior Real Madrid matchday squad, although Mourinho has stopped short of promising him any minutes.

For now, his planned place on the bench represents the clearest indication yet that the new Castilla signing will be given opportunities to work around the first team as the season develops.