Real Madrid News
Real Madrid midfielder hoping to recover from injury in time for the Spanish Super Cup in January
In a span of 48 hours, Real Madrid have seen their world collapse. The men in white headed into the international break off the back of two convincing wins, but the hiatus has not been kind to them in terms.
Over the past two days, Carlo Ancelotti has recieved information of injuries to two critical stars – Eduardo Camavinga and Vinicius Jr.
While the former ruptred his external lateral ligament, the latter is also expected to be out for a few weeks at least.
Considering that Real Madrid are already without Aurelien Tchouameni, Thibaut Courtois, Arda Guler, Eder Militao, and Kepa Arrizabalaga, the situation is far from pleasant.
The pivot situation
Aurelien Tchouameni was among the first members to be named injured in Real Madrid’s latest spurt in sidelined players.
The Frenchman suffered an incomplete stress fracture of his left second metatarsal during the Clasico against Barcelona in October and was expected to be out for two months.
MARCA provides an update on the defensive midfielder’s situation, stating that Tchouameni’s goal is to recover in time to participate in the Spanish Super Cup.
With the competition slated to kick off in the second week of January, the French international has just under two months to completely recuperate and hit the deadline.
Tchouameni had been in top form prior to his injury and had once again become an important player for Carlo Ancelotti. As such the manager will be hoping to recover him at the earliest possible.
The injured backup
When Real Madrid announced Tchouameni’s fitness blow, there was a sense of security in the camp over the situation.
After all, Eduardo Camavinga has done exceedingly well for Real Madrid at the base of midfield and did do when called upon in recent games as well.
Camavinga’s latest injury, thus, comes as a big blow for Ancelotti. With the youngster practically ruled out for the rest of the year, the manager must find a new resource in the defensive midfield as cover for at least 60 days.
Toni Kroos is the frontrunner to take over the duties as Real Madrid’s pivot. Yet, it is clear that the young legs of Tchouameni and Camavinga will be missed in the games to come.
Real Madrid are back in the Champions League following their impressive win against Cadiz on the weekend as they host Napoli at the Santiago Bernabeu for gameweek five.
They have already secured qualification to the round of 16, and even a point today would secure first place in the group.
With several players still injured, Carlo Ancelotti has opted for his best available starting lineup, with Daniel Carvajal taking responsibility of the captain’s armband at right-back. He will be aided by Ferland Mendy, who starts on the other side.
Meanwhile, in between them, David Alaba returns to the fold as the starting centre-back, partnering Antonio Rudiger. This duo has the responsibility of screening Andriy Lunin, who continues in goal in Kepa and Thibaut Courtois’ absence.
With both Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni out, Toni Kroos gets the chance to play as the holding midfielder for two games in a row. Federico Valverde retains his spot, as well, while Dani Ceballos comes in for the injured Luka Modric in central midfield.
Rodrygo will spearhead the team’s frontline as one of the two twin forwards, while Brahim Diaz gets the nod over Joselu. Jude Bellingham is the final, and arguably the most important piece of the puzzle, playing behind the front-two.
📋✅ Our starting 𝗫𝗜!
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) November 29, 2023
🆚 @en_sscnapoli #UCL pic.twitter.com/MarLb7TavA
Confirmed Madrid XI: Lunin; Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Mendy; Valverde, Kroos, Ceballos; Bellingham; Diaz, Rodrygo
