Real Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid starting lineup to face Real Oviedo | Vinicius dropped
Real Madrid are looking to maintain their winning momentum as they take on Real Oviedo this evening.
The club have officially announced their starting eleven which will take on the newly-promoted Spanish outfit.
Coming on the back of a 1-0 win over CA Osasuna, coach Xabi Alonso has made one big change by dropping VInicius Junior from the starting lineup.
The Brazilian starts on the bench against Oviedo, with new signing Franco Mastantuono starting in attack, alongside Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo.
Amid speculation over his future at the club, this will be a great chance for Rodrygo to prove his worth and win the trust of Alonso.
The midfield remains the same, with Arda Guler operating in the creative role in the absence of Jude Bellingham. Guler will be partnered by Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni.
In defence, Alonso has made a key change, with new signing Trent Alexander-Arnold making way for Dani Carvajal – his first start since returning from a long injury layoff.
Antonio Rudiger also replaces Eder Militao in central defence and will be partnered by two new signings, Dean Huijsen and Alvaro Carreras.
It is possible that Alonso is trying to keep shuffle his team by resting the likes of Vinicius, Militao and Alexander-Arnold – all key members of his setup.
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.
