Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star Fede Valverde to face a four-match ban over Alex Baena incident
According to the latest report from COPE, there is an update on the possible sanctions that Real Madrid star Federico Valverde could face for his altercation with Alex Baena this past season.
Valverde and Baena were involved in an unsavoury incident outside the Santiago Bernabeu after Villarreal’s La Liga game against Los Blancos on April 8.
The Real Madrid midfielder ended up punching his Villarreal counterpart for alleged derogatory comments made towards his wife and child. The Spaniard was left with a bruise on his face.
While Baena refused to have said anything of that sort, the Uruguayan international remained firm on his side of the story as well.
Given the nature of the incident, it was under investigation by the Competitions Committee.
And now, an investigating judge has recommended the committee impose a four-match suspension on Valverde, which would be applied at the start of the 2023/24 season.
If the midfielder is indeed hit with a four-match suspension, he would miss the matches against Athletic Club (A), UD Almeria (A), Celta Vigo (A), and the first home game of the campaign against Getafe.
Valverde’s absence will be a blow, especially at the start of the season, given how important he is to Carlo Ancelotti’s plans.
Real Madrid have the resources in midfield to cope with his absence, especially with the return of Brahim Diaz and the signing of Jude Bellingham this summer.
An official declaration from the Competitions Committee is yet to arrive, but all signs point towards Valverde being sanctioned at least for four matches, with some reports suggesting that it could be even five.
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.
