Real Madrid News
Real Madrid midfield duo miss training ahead of Liverpool clash, Benzema trains alone
After a 2-0 victory over CA Osasuna, Real Madrid will restart their UEFA Champions League campaign this midweek when they take on Liverpool at Anfield.
However, heading into this trip, Real Madrid have been dealt with a series of injury and fitness issues, with Aurelien Tchouameni, for one, missing the midweek game due to flu. Toni Kroos, too, is out on the sidelines due to gastroenteritis.
According to Eldesmarque, neither Kroos nor Tchouameni trained with the group during the preparations for the Liverpool tie. This is a worrying sign for coach Carlo Ancelotti, who has had to make several adjustments in the starting eleven in recent weeks.
Kroos’ experience and composure would have been invaluable to the Real Madrid team against a side like Liverpool. Tchouameni, too, had been a first-choice option for Ancelotti this season, but his absence means the Italian will have to make adjustments once again.
Fortunately for Los Blancos, Eduardo Camavinga has shown excellent form in recent weeks and is pushing for a start, whereas Dani Ceballos is currently in the form of his life.
Meanwhile, on the brighter side of things, Karim Benzema has trained alone and despite the lack of clear indicators over his fitness, it is perhaps safe to assume that the Frenchman will be in contention to become a part of the trip to Anfield.
Benzema’s return could be a big boost for Real Madrid, giving them adequate attacking firepower ahead of the tie against Liverpool.
Real Madrid, though, are set to miss out on Ferland Mendy once again. The left-back is closing in on full recovery, but he is not fit enough to be back on the pitch just yet.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. admits finishing problem after another frustrating night vs Elche: ‘Can’t miss that much’
Vinicius Jr.’s difficult start in front of goal continued against Elche, and the Real Madrid forward did not need anyone to tell him he had missed another chance to make the difference.
The Brazilian finished the night without a goal despite having chances to get on the scoresheet, while his teammates could only watch from the bench as opportunities went begging.
Jose Mourinho had already identified the problem before kick-off, bluntly pointing to the issue facing his forward, stating, “He’s missing the goal.”
Vini offered an equally frank assessment afterwards.
Rather than hide from another frustrating evening, he accepted responsibility on social media: “The goals will come back; I can’t miss that much…”
Two chances, no finish for Vinicius
Vinicius had two particularly clear openings against Elche, but neither produced the finish Real Madrid needed from their star forward.
The first arrived when he found himself one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper.
Instead of finding the net, Vinicius caught the ball with the tip of his foot and sent his effort wide. Arda Guler was available during the move and called for the ball, but Vini backed himself to finish the chance.
He had another opportunity after the interval, this time following an excellent pass from Guler during a quick Real Madrid transition. Again, though, Vinicius could not find the target.
His evening ended in the 68th minute, with Mourinho deciding the Brazilian was tired and turning his attention towards Sunday’s Atletico Madrid derby.
Mourinho has a bigger decision to make
The numbers show why Vinicius’ finishing has become a talking point. He managed five shots against Elche, but only one was on target and none found the net.
After seven appearances this season, the Brazilian has scored just once, which is a striking return for a player Real Madrid rely upon to provide a major share of their attacking threat.
Ultimately, though, Real Madrid found another route to victory, with Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi providing the goals in the 3-2 comeback.
