Real Madrid News
Real Madrid may have dodged a bullet by missing out on former priority target
Real Madrid had been keenly pursuing Leny Yoro, but their efforts to secure his signature ultimately ended in disappointment.
Manchester United swooped in and successfully signed the promising defender by offering him a better deal, making sure they won the race for his services.
However, Yoro’s early days at Manchester United took an unfortunate turn. During the Red Devils’ pre-season tour in the United States, the French defender suffered an injury.
It was later confirmed that Yoro needed surgery to fix a metatarsal injury, a possibility that Manchester United had been aware of before completing his transfer.
Real Madrid really dodged a bullet
Reports from The Athletic revealed that the medical tests conducted before Yoro signed with Manchester United had already identified some concerns with his metatarsal bones.
Despite this, the club’s decision-makers chose to proceed with the signing, convinced that Yoro would be a key player for United in the years to come.
United took a cautious approach with Yoro once he joined the team, limiting his participation in training sessions to only 50%.
Unfortunately, in just his second appearance for the club, during a match against Arsenal in Los Angeles, Yoro fractured the fifth metatarsal bone on the outside of his left foot.
Once he returned to England, he underwent surgery to address the injury, the recovery of which is expected to take about three months.
The decision to sign Yoro, despite the injury risk, was largely based on the understanding that he is a long-term project for Manchester United.
This was further underlined by the fact that Manchester United had also been eyeing the signing of Mathijs de Ligt, a move that was likely to happen regardless of Yoro’s arrival.
All this means that missing out on Yoro this summer has turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
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.
