Real Madrid News
Real Madrid outcast not in training to avoid injury risks ahead of exit, no offers yet
According to Mario Cortegana of The Athletic, Real Madrid outcast is not participating in training with his teammates in the United States of America to avoid getting injured ahead of a potential exit this summer.
Odriozola has been out of favour at Real Madrid for a while now and hardly played during the 2022/23 campaign under Carlo Ancelotti. With his contract expiring in a year, the right-back is widely expected to depart this summer.
Despite that, the manager opted to take him along to the pre-season tour of the USA earlier this week. However, Cortegana had reported on Friday that the defender did not participate in an intra-squad training match.
And the former Real Sociedad has not been training today either. And while it has been suggested that he might be dealing with an overload, there could be more to the story than it seems.
Odriozola, it is understood, is keen not to pick up any injury which might hamper his plans to secure an exit this summer. As such, it appears that the right-back has been exempted from training with the team.
Recently, it was suggested that the Spanish ace had an agreement with his former club Real Sociedad over a return.
However, as things stand, the journalist claims that there are no offers on the table yet for Odriozola, with his wages being seen as an impediment by interested parties.
But there is expectation that with there being clubs interested in his services, an exit will materialise sooner rather than later.
Real Madrid signed Odriozola from Real Sociedad in 2018 in a deal worth around €30 million. However, it appears that they will most likely end up letting him leave for free this summer.
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.
