Real Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid starting lineup against Girona | La Liga MD 31
As Real Madrid get set to take on Girona later tonight at the Santiago Bernabeu later tonight in La Liga, manager Alvaro Arbeloa has now announced the starting XI that will take the field.
And, as expected, there are a few changes made to the team that started the midweek game against Bayern Munich.
The big headline is that both Eder Militao and Jude Bellingham make their first starts after returning from their respective injuries.
Militao partners Raul Asencio in defence, with the latter playing his first game in over a month. Meanwhile, captain Dani Carvajal gets the nod at right-back and Fran Garcia comes in on the left as both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alvaro Carreras are rested.
As for the midfield, Bellingham finds himself playing alongside Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, and Brahim Diaz, with Arbeloa opting to bench Aurelien Tchouameni, Arda Guler, and Thiago Pitarch.
Up top, though, there are no changes as Kylian Mbappe continues to feature alongside fellow superstar forward Vinicius Jr., hoping to fire Real Madrid back to winning ways after two consecutive losses.
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.
