Real Madrid News
Real Madrid manager thinking of switching to a double pivot following Camavinga, Tchouameni’s injuries
Journalist Edu Aguirre is reporting via El Chiringuito TV that Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is currently thinking of switching to a double-pivot in midfield, comprising Toni Kroos and Federico Valverde amidst the face of the injuries.
Real Madrid are set to be without Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni at least until the start of January 2024, meaning that options in midfield are very limited for the Italian.
As a result, the manager will turn his head towards the usual suspects and while it was reported before that players from the youth team will be utilized in the hours of need, the manager seems to be exploring other possible alternatives as well.
How will the midfield look like?
It is to be noted that in the absence of Camavinga and Tchouameni, Ancelotti might look to tweak his approach a bit.
It had been speculated that Luka Modric and Toni Kroos will see more minutes in light of the injuries, given that Real Madrid have been playing with four midfielders all season.
But it appears that Ancelotti is thinking of switching formation to a potential 4-2-3-1, with Valverde and Kroos forming the double pivot in midfield, while Bellingham would play as the sole attacking midfielder.
For what it is worth, this blend of seasoned expertise and youthful enthusiasm is something that Ancelotti is hoping will lead the team at this time.
Real Madrid need to look forward
Real Madrid currently face the challenge of not dwelling too much on those who are injured and as they wait for them to return, they must make sure there is a plan in place.
Right now, the objective is to have a complete roster ready for the crucial months of February and March, which is when the season actually gathers pace.
In the grand scheme of things, the team’s detailed season planning may prove fortunate, provided they can overcome the hurdle of injuries and have key players back in action when it matters most.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid key midfielder ready to start vs Atletico Madrid after strong return from injury
Real Madrid have had a few injuries to contend with since the start of the season, with Aurelien Tchouameni, Thiago Pitarch and Endrick all serving spells on the sidelines.
The trio are back in training now and looking to work their way into Jose Mourinho’s plans after a disrupted pre-season.
Now, according to Alberto Pereiro, Tchouameni appears to be winning the race to return to Real Madrid’s starting XI for the derby against Atletico Madrid.
The 26-year-old is said to be in the best physical condition of the players who have recently returned from injury.
Thiago Pitarch, Endrick and Tchouameni all rejoined team training last week, but the Frenchman is currently considered the most match-ready of the three.
Tchouameni ahead in the recovery race
As such, Tchouameni is now expected to start against Atletico Madrid later this week. That would be an important boost for Mourinho considering the physical nature of the game in store.
Tchouameni gives Real Madrid something very specific in midfield. He can protect the defence, compete in duels, cover large spaces and provide the kind of structure Mourinho values when matches become chaotic.
His return would also allow Real Madrid to approach the game with more balance around Federico Valverde and the attacking players ahead of them.
Mourinho has always valued his profile
Mourinho has been careful with Tchouameni’s recovery rather than rushing him back before he was fully ready.
That patience now looks set to pay off. Madrid have enough technical quality in midfield, but against Atletico, the game is unlikely to be decided by possession alone.
The ability to win second balls, close transition spaces and survive physically intense periods could be just as important.
This is exactly where Tchouameni thrives.
Pitarch and Endrick may need more time
The latest update also suggests Pitarch and Endrick are slightly behind Tchouameni in terms of physical readiness.
That does not necessarily mean either player is unavailable, but it would make sense for Mourinho to manage their minutes more cautiously. The duo are expected to be fully ready after the international break.
Pitarch still has an important role to play in a crowded midfield, while Endrick will be looking to re-establish himself in the attacking rotation after his own injury interruption.
For the derby, neither of those players is likely to be an option for the XI, but Tchouameni will definitely be a great addition.
If he does start, it would underline how highly Mourinho values him in the biggest matches. At the Metropolitano, Madrid may need Tchouameni more than anyone else, and it remains to be seen how things play out.
