Real Madrid News
Boost for Real Madrid as veteran superstar returns to group training
The season might pretty much be over for Real Madrid but they still have a few important games left which they will want to win and end the campaign strongly.
This weekend, they face RCD Espanyol away in Catalonia, hoping to secure a win and delay FC Barcelona’s coronation as La Liga champions.
Ahead of the game, the Merengues have been handed a major fitness boost.
Thibaut Courtois back in group training
Indeed, as per Mundo Deportivo, Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois returned to group training today and did a part of the session with the rest of the squad.
Real Madrid returned to training this morning at Valdebebas after the day off granted to the squad by Alvaro Arbeloa.
The players continued their preparations for this Sunday’s match against Espanyol and welcomed the veteran shot-stopper back into the training sessions.
Courtois is not expected to be available for that fixture, but, barring any setbacks, he should be ready for the Clasico on 10 May away at the Spotify Camp Nou.
Courtois has been unavailable for over a month after suffering a muscle injury during the Champions League Round of 16 second-leg tie against Manchester City, when he was taken off at half-time at the Etihad Stadium.
In his absence, Andriy Lunin has stepped into the starting XI but has been unable to keep a single clean sheet, despite making some vital stops, including in the team’s last game against Real Betis.
As such, Courtois’ return will be a welcome development, especially with the all-important El Clasico coming up in a little over a week.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
