Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defender will be back in the squad for Real Betis clash
Real Madrid will take on Real Betis tomorrow away at Estadio de La Cartuja, aiming to secure all three points.
However, leading up to the game against Manuel Pellegrini’s side, the Merengues have been dealt a major blow as key midfielder Arda Guler and defensive mainstay Eder Militao are out with hamstring injury.
The duo will not play again this season, which comes as a major setback for Alvaro Arbeloa & co.
Raul Asencio is back
However, there is some positive for Real Madrid as they are set to recover Raul Asencio for the trip to Seville.
Indeed, according to AS, the 23-year-old homegrown defender has recovered fully from his illness and will be included in the squad to face Real Betis.
Asencio was sidelined with bacterial enterocolitis, an illness that required hospital treatment and caused him to lose up to six kilograms in a couple of days. As a result, he missed Tuesday’s match against Deportivo Alaves.
The Spanish centre-back, though, was able to resume individual training on Wednesday and took another step forward today, as he did almost the complete session with the group.
As such, Asencio is now expected to be included in the squad that will travel to Seville for the league encounter. However, it is unlikely that he will start for Real Madrid tomorrow night and will mostly remain on the bench.
Nonetheless, his availability provides added depth for Real Madrid in the centre-back position, especially after the bad news about Militao’s latest injury, only weeks after he had made his comeback from a previous issue.
So far this season, Asencio has played 31 matches in all competitions, even chipping in with a couple of goals and an assist.
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.
