Real Madrid News
Real Madrid midfielder ruled out for two months after latest injury – reports
Jude Bellingham is the talk of the town from Real Madrid’s midfield. Yet, there is another youngster who has been churning out spectacular performances week in and week out for Los Blancos – Aurelien Tchouameni.
The team’s only loss of the season came in the game the Frenchman was rested, and that only goes on to emphasise his importance under Carlo Ancelotti.
A major setback
Tchouameni was most recently seen in action in El Clasico last night, where he dished out a clinical performance at the base of Real Madrid’s midfield. He played the 90 minutes on the night during which he oversaw nine key defensive actions.
While he did complete the game without any discomfort, the player suffered a stress fracture in the second metatarsal of his left foot on the night.
Diagnostics have confirmed the same, and the player is expected to miss six to eight weeks of action according to Fabrizio Romano. He is likely to return only in January. This comes as a big blow to Ancelotti’s plans.
Few options to replace him
Real Madrid are yet to lose a game with the young Frenchman in the starting lineup. Needless to say, replacing him is easier said than done.
Eduardo Camavinga is likely to take his compatriot’s place in defensive midfield in the upcoming games. After all, he dominated the midfield playing as the pivot in Real Madrid’s clash against SC Braga midweek.
Another option at Ancelotti’s disposal is Toni Kroos. The German has long advocated a transition to a deeper role as age catches up with him and is a solid performer in the position.
Considering Kroos’ form as an interior this season, however, it would be a surprise if the manager opted to utilise him in Tchouameni’s place. Nevertheless, nothing can be ruled out.
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.
