Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star trains alone for hours on day off
Real Madrid defender Fran Garcia has made a clear statement about his mindset, turning up for training on a scheduled day off during the international break.
As revealed by El Chiringuito TV, the left-back spent around four and a half hours at Valdebebas despite the squad being given time to rest.
With most players away on international duty, only a small group has remained in Madrid, and Garcia is among those looking to make the most of the situation.
This moment comes at a time when Real Madrid are going through a shift under Alvaro Arbeloa.
The manager has already started adjusting routines, reducing rest periods and focusing on increasing intensity levels within the squad.
With only a handful of players available at Valdebebas, opportunities to stand out are limited, but Garcia has taken the initiative.
A difficult situation
The left-back’s situation this season has not been straightforward. Minutes have been inconsistent, and competition in his position has made it difficult to secure a regular role.
However, there was also a period earlier in the campaign when he was the only fully fit left-back available, and he stepped up when needed.
Now, with club football set to resume soon, the battle for that position is expected to intensify, especially with added competition in the squad.
As such, Garcia is clearly aware of what is at stake.
By choosing to train on a rest day and for such a long duration, he has sent a strong message to the coaching staff.
With Arbeloa demanding more intensity and competition rising across the squad, moments like this could play a key role in selection decisions in the weeks ahead.
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.
