Zinedine Zidane: Real Madrid are missing a striker

Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane has conceded that the club is now "missing a striker" following the departure of Alvaro Morata to Premier League champions Chelsea.

The 24-year-old Spaniard has left a hole in Madrid's attacking options. 

“Right now we are missing a striker,” Zidane is quoted as saying by Diario AS.

“We saw what Morata did last season; he gave a lot to this team.

"There are 28 with us at the moment, and they are what I am focused on. As always, until the 31st anything can happen.

“He [Mbappe] is good but I'm only thinking about tomorrow's game and preparing for the season ahead.

"It is true that some very good players have left and some young players have come in, but we are trying to improve the overall squad.

“We are pleased with those lads that have arrived recently, they are passionate to be with us and train.

“They know where they are but the season will tell us if we have improved the squad."

Reports on Saturday suggest they may move for Ajax striker Kasper Dolberg or Sassuolo’s Domenico Berardi.