Real Madrid News
Real Madrid ‘praying’ there are no more injuries during the international break – report
Despite results largely going in their favour, this season has proven to be a challenge for Real Madrid, as they find themselves navigating a relentless storm of injuries.
The list of prominent absentees for Real Madrid continues to pile up, as the Merengues are already missing the likes of Eder Militao, Thibaut Courtois, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Arda Guler and Aurelien Tchouameni.
Now, Eduardo Camavinga and Vinicius Jr. are both anticipated to miss the remainder of the year after suffering rather serious injuries while playing for their respective national teams during the ongoing international break.
Real Madrid anxiously awaits the last game of the break with hopes of no further injury scares.
Real Madrid praying for no more injuries
As per COPE (h/t Madrid Xtra), with the international break primarily responsible for the injuries of Vincius and Camavinga, Real Madrid are praying the break claims no more victims.
In light of the strained attacking options, Joselu and Rodrygo remain the only two attackers available at the club.
While Joselu’s two games with Spain have concluded, Los Blancos will be nervously watching Rodrygo face off against Argentina with Brazil.
Any more midfield absences are also hoped to be avoided, with Real Madrid deprived of both their primary pivots, Camavinga and Tchouameni. Both Federico Valverde and Luka Modric have a game left with Uruguay and Croatia, respectively.
As far as the defensive department is concerned, David Alaba will be in action against Austria later this week and Real Madrid hope that everyone will return healthy with no more injuries.
Real Madrid will be compensated
Camavinga’s injury sustained during the international break is projected to cost FIFA around €20,548 per day that he is sidelined.
Real Madrid may wind up obtaining a total compensation of more than €1 million considering that the midfield player may be absent for up to eight weeks.
Vinicius will also be compensated, with Madrid set to receive €20,548 every day until he is out, which is expected to be for at least ten weeks.
In spite of the temporary financial relief, Real Madrid will gravely miss their two young stars and wish to not have to deal with any more injuries that could potentially cast a shadow on their season ambitions.
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
