Real Madrid News
Real Madrid 26-year-old star has been playing through significant muscle discomfort this season
Real Madrid fans have been left wondering why Brahim Diaz has suddenly disappeared from Jose Mourinho’s plans, particularly after the midfielder produced one of his best performances of the season against Inter Milan.
According to AS, the explanation is physical rather than tactical, as Brahim has been dealing with significant muscle discomfort for several weeks and has continued making himself available despite not being fully comfortable.
The Moroccan was already feeling the issue before the Champions League opener against Inter, but chose to push through it to help the team.
Brahim played through the pain against Inter
His decision paid off on the night, as Brahim was one of Real Madrid’s most influential attacking players against Inter, creating the opening goal for Kylian Mbappe before producing another excellent piece of play for what should have been the third.
Jude Bellingham was unable to finish the move after stumbling, but Brahim’s contribution was clear and helped underline why Mourinho values him.
Notably, his minutes have changed dramatically since that performance, though.
Brahim did not play against Rayo Vallecano, came on in the 68th minute against Elche and was left on the bench throughout the derby against Atletico Madrid.
Across those three matches, he has managed just 22 minutes.
That pattern naturally raised questions, with many wondering why a player who had impressed so strongly against Inter was suddenly receiving so little football.
Brahim is playing despite muscle discomfort
AS’ explanation is that Brahim’s reduced involvement is linked to the muscle problem rather than a loss of confidence from Mourinho.
The midfielder remains available, but only because he is continuing to push himself despite the discomfort.
The issue is understood to have started several matches ago and has remained a burden in his day-to-day training and playing routine.
Brahim’s decision certainly shows his desire to contribute during the early stages of Mourinho’s project, but stretching himself will result in long-term damage.
That helps explain the unusual pattern surrounding his minutes. Brahim has only played consecutive matches once this season, when he featured against Real Sociedad and Malaga.
Despite Mourinho’s confidence in him and several positive performances, Brahim has accumulated only 178 minutes so far this campaign.
Understandably, for Real Madrid, the priority will be ensuring the problem does not become more serious.
He has shown that he is willing to sacrifice for the team, but his limited involvement suggests Mourinho is having to balance that commitment with the midfielder’s physical condition.
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.
