Real Madrid News
Opponent watch: Bayern Munich talisman trains normally ahead of Real Madrid clash
Bayern Munich enter the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal clash against Real Madrid with full steam, with the first leg set to be played at the Santiago Bernabeu tomorrow night.
Ahead of the high-stakes clash, there was a doubt about the availability and participation of Bayern Munich’s star forward Harry Kane who appeared to be nursing an injury.
The English star did not play any part in his team’s comeback win at the weekend and all signs pointed to his participation against Real Madrid being in doubt. Recent days, however, saw optimism grow once more.
A sudden boost
Now, as confirmed by Florian Plettenberg, Kane took part in Bayern’s first training session on Monday in Munich, handing the team a massive boost.
He was indeed dealing with an ankle injury, but he seems to have gotten past the setback. Barring any unusual development, he is expected to play against Real Madrid tomorrow.
It remains to be seen if the player is fit enough to start, but he will undoubtedly play some part and that, in itself, is enough of a worry for Real Madrid. After all, Kane has been in hot goalscoring form this season.
So far this season, the 32-year-old already has ten goals in the UEFA Champions League and a staggering 31 goals in the Bundesliga. He averages 4.2 shots and 1.2 goals per game in the domestic competition.
For Kane to be back for both legs of the game comes as a massive blow for Real Madrid, especially at a time when serious questions are being raised about the defensive department.
In order to get to the European title, however, Los Blancos must be prepared to get the better of the best in the business, and Kane fits that category.
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.
