Real Madrid News
From emotional farewell to Champions League squad: Real Madrid summer signing lives a whirlwind week
Sergio Martinez has barely had time to process his move to Real Madrid, yet the midfielder could already find himself in the club’s Champions League squad for Tuesday’s meeting with Inter Milan.
According to AS, the summer arrival from Racing Santander has experienced an extraordinary first week in Madrid.
He said goodbye to his boyhood club, trained twice with the first team, travelled to Seville for the Real Betis match and then appeared for Castilla the following day.
Now, just eight days after becoming a Real Madrid player, Martinez is on course for another major step.
From Racing farewell to first-team training
The transfer was effectively agreed before the end of the window, but Racing did not officially confirm the move until Monday, August 31.
Subsequently, Martinez also published a farewell letter to the club that had been his home, while Real Madrid did not make a formal announcement because the midfielder is registered with Castilla.
His pathway, though, is already looking different from that of a typical reserve-team signing.
Mourinho has taken an interest in his qualities, and Martinez’s first two training sessions were with the senior squad, and he left a strong impression.
Mourinho already trusts the midfielder
Martinez was then included in the travelling squad for Real Madrid’s trip to Seville and watched the Betis match from the bench.
He did not get onto the pitch, but the Portuguese manager, through his actions, has already made it clear that he holds him in high regard.
The following morning, Martinez was back in action with Castilla against Juventud Torremolinos.
He did not start but played the second half, producing a composed 45-minute display despite the physical and emotional demands of an unusually hectic week.
Champions League call-up could arrive after eight days
The timing of his arrival could now work dramatically in Martinez’s favour.
Real Madrid will face Inter without Eduardo Camavinga, Bernardo Silva and Arda Guler, all suspended. Aurelien Tchouameni is also unlikely to be ready to start and may not even make the squad.
That leaves Mourinho needing academy players to bolster his options, potentially including one in the starting XI.
Martinez could therefore make his Champions League squad debut just eight days after joining the club.
For a player who was saying goodbye to Racing Santander at the start of the week, the speed of his introduction to Real Madrid’s first-team environment has been remarkable.
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.
