Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward expected to miss Valencia clash, defender likely to return
Real Madrid suffered a couple of setbacks last week as they lost both Rodrygo Goes and Antonio Rudiger to fitness issues.
Rodrygo was the first to get injured as he picked up a hamstring problem during the UEFA Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund.
Meanwhile, during the weekend’s El Clasico, Rudiger ended with muscular discomfort causing some concerns at the club, although there was no serious injury.
Rodrygo progressing well
Now, AS reports that Rodrygo is making good progress in his recovery which bodes well for Real Madrid.
Despite that, as things stand, the Brazilian will not return in time for this weekend’s clash against Valencia, which, as things stand, could be postponed.
As reported yesterday, Rodrygo started training with the ball on the pitch and did more individual work in today’s sessions, displaying good progress.
However, a return this weekend is highly unlikely, with the 23-year-old targeting a comeback next Tuesday when Real Madrid take on AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League.
Rudiger could play
Meanwhile, Rudiger, who did some gym work in yesterday’s sessions, trained individually today on the field.
It is seen as a step in the right direction by Real Madrid, who believe that the German international will likely be ready to play if the game against Valencia is not postponed and goes ahead as per schedule.
In case Rudiger does not feel fit enough, Carlo Ancelotti has already trained with Aurelien Tchouameni as Eder Militao’s centre-back partner this week and could opt for that combination against Valencia.
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.
