Real Madrid News
Real Madrid handed unexpected boost as Athletic Club confirm absence of star forward
Real Madrid have received a significant boost just before their crucial La Liga encounter against Athletic Club, with confirmation that star winger Nico Williams will miss the match due to injury.
The timing of this development works strongly in favour of Los Blancos, who are looking to bounce back from a tough week and keep pace with their rivals in the title race.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side are still reeling from their unexpected Champions League exit at the hands of Arsenal. That defeat left questions surrounding the team’s form and mentality.
Now, the focus shifts back to domestic duties, and the clash with Athletic Club is one of the key games left on the calendar.
A win is not only necessary to keep title hopes alive but also to respond to Barcelona’s recent victory against Celta Vigo.
Athletic, on the other hand, are chasing a top-four finish and were expected to be a difficult opponent at the Santiago Bernabeu. However, that task now looks much harder without their most dangerous player on the pitch.
Nico Williams’ injury alters Athletic’s plans
With only a day left before the match, Athletic Club released their official squad list for the trip to Madrid. Fans were quick to notice the absence of Nico, who has been one of the most explosive and consistent performers this season.
It was later confirmed that the Spanish winger is suffering from pubalgia, an issue that flared up at the worst possible time for his team.
“The player Nico Williams will not travel to Madrid to play the match against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium due to a pubalgia. Pending evolution,” wrote Athletic in an official statement.
For Real Madrid, this presents an opportunity to take full control of the match and push for a convincing win that can restore confidence.
With the title race heating up and every match counting, this could be the small advantage Real Madrid needed at just the right moment.
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.
