Real Madrid News
Real Madrid manager Ancelotti has an intimate chat with Mbappe amid controversy
Kylian Mbappe’s mere presence in Sweden was enough to rile up the French press over his prioritisation of club over country.
That, however, suddenly appears to be the least of Mbappe’s problems concerning his short visit to the Scandinavian country.
As has become common news by now, the Real Madrid star is caught in controversy as an investigation has been opened over a rape incident at the hotel in which he resided during his short trip.
Ancelotti talks to Mbappe
During the complicated moment in the youngster’s life, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti spoke to Mbappe as revealed by SPORT and had a conversation over the player’s mental state, morale and preparedness for the return to club football.
As part of that interaction, the World Cup winner made it clear that he was focused on Real Madrid’s return to action and that legal matters were completely his lawyer’s department.
Mbappe insisted that he was doing well and that he was unperturbed by the noise in the media.
With games including El Clasico and the clash against Borussia Dortmund coming up, Los Blancos will need the former PSG star to be at his best.
First, however, they must conquer Celta Vigo at Balaidos and it will be vital for them to kick off the new leg of the campaign on the right foot. After all, Real Madrid have been largely unconvincing thus far.
In eight league games for Real Madrid this season, the 25-year-old has scored five goals and provided one assist. Further, he averages 2.4 shots on target per game and completes 83% of his passes.
Having completed a mini pre-season in recent days, Mbappe will look to take charge in the coming games as the Merengues’ leader in the front. After all, the two weeks’ rest is expected to have helped him recover from his fitness setback.
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.
