Real Madrid News
Carvajal’s viral photo leaves everyone amazed by his physical condition
With the La Liga season wrapped up, Real Madrid are fully focused on conquering the first edition of the revamped FIFA Club World Cup.
For the club hierarchy, the coaching staff led by Xabi Alonso, and the squad itself, this competition has taken on an almost obsessive importance, not just for the silverware, but also for the prestige and substantial financial reward it offers.
One man who embodies that obsession is club captain Dani Carvajal. Despite battling through a long-term injury that has sidelined him for much of the season, Carvajal is determined to be part of the squad that travels to the United States.
Even if he is not cleared to play, he has already informed President Florentino Perez that he will be there alongside his teammates.
A physique that has everyone talking
Carvajal is now in the final stages of his rehabilitation and has been working tirelessly to rejoin the group. While some players are enjoying a short break before returning to training on June 9, others like Carvajal and Dani Ceballos are staying sharp.
Ceballos has also had his fair share of injury setbacks this season, but is clearly motivated by the prospect of representing Real Madrid on the global stage.
The two Spaniards have taken their recovery outdoors, even going mountain climbing together.
Ceballos shared a photo on social media that included the message: “Working towards what’s next, which is very exciting. LET’S GO!”
Despite being injured, fans were quick to point out how Carvajal has managed to stay in shape throughout the season.
For Real Madrid, the Club World Cup is not just another trophy, it is a statement of dominance on the world stage.
The new format promises tougher competition, more eyes, and a bigger payday, and the club wants to be the inaugural winners.
After a month into the new season, Aurelien Tchouameni is finally back in action for Real Madrid.
The Frenchman made his first appearance of the season for the Merengues last night against Inter Milan after recovering from the muscular injury that delayed his campaign.
His return to fitness had raised questions over where he would fit into Mourinho’s plans.
Tchouameni has been a regular in Real Madrid’s midfield for several seasons under different managers, but the end of last season was far less straightforward.
His confrontation with Federico Valverde, combined with speculation over his future at the club, created uncertainty about his position. His lack of a proper pre-season also appeared to put him behind other midfield options.
Bernardo Silva had established himself as an important figure, while Eduardo Camavinga was also ahead of Tchouameni in terms of match fitness.
With Real Madrid looking for greater creativity in midfield, there were questions over whether the Frenchman would still be a first-choice player.
Key for Mourinho
According to AS (h/t Bernabeu Digital), however, Mourinho has no such doubts. Tchouameni remains a key player for the Portuguese coach and is expected to be a starter.
Mourinho sees the French international as a midfielder without a direct replacement in the squad.
For Jose, Tchouameni provides something that none of the other midfielders in the squad do – a more defensive and positional presence, combining his tactical discipline with considerable physical strength.
His ability to shield the defence and provide balance could be particularly important for a Real Madrid side that want to defend aggressively and attack quickly in transition.
For that reason, his absence at the start of the campaign has not changed the manager’s view of his importance.
Mourinho faces a midfield selection problem
The challenge for Mourinho now is finding a way to fit all the pieces together.
If Tchouameni is guaranteed a starting position and Valverde is considered untouchable as captain, the obvious consequence is that Bernardo could find himself starting from the bench.
The summer arrival had been given an important role in helping Real Madrid control and distribute possession from deeper positions.
However, with Tchouameni and Valverde both occupying midfield places, Mourinho cannot accommodate everyone in the same lineup.
How the Portuguese coach manages that competition will be interesting to see in the coming weeks.
