Real Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid squad list to face Las Palmas | La Liga GW 20
Real Madrid will resume the defence of their La Liga crown tomorrow night when they take on UD Las Palmas at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Having won their first home match of 2025 against Celta Vigo earlier this week, Los Blancos will hope for another victory so that they are close to league leaders Atletico Madrid, who are in action today, in the table.
Ahead of the match against the Canary Islanders, Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has announced the squad list of players who will be at his disposal.
And in a huge positive, David Alaba is finally back in contention to feature for Real Madrid, more than a year after he played his last game.
Having recovered fully from his ACL injury and worked on his fitness levels, the Austrian veteran is expected to play some minutes tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Thibaut Courtois also returns to the squad after being rested for the Copa del Rey clash against Celta and should reclaim his starting berth in goal.
Vinicius Jr. misses out as he serves a two-match ban while Eduardo Camavinga is out with injury along with Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal. Luka Modric is also suspended.
Castilla right-back Lorenzo Aguado has been called up again by Ancelotti.
📋✅ ¡Nuestros convocados!
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) January 18, 2025
🆚 @UDLP_Oficial#RealMadridLasPalmas pic.twitter.com/Pzus9qHm0C
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.
