Real Madrid News
Real Madrid starlet pressing for a start against Liverpool after impressive form
It has been a hectic period for Real Madrid, who have lost sight of the race for the league title while the injury and fitness problems have had no end in sight.
The most recent victim was Aurelien Tchouameni, who had to be ruled out in the weekend encounter against CA Osasuna. The Frenchman was ruled out due to flu, whereas Toni Kroos missed the tie due to gastroenteritis.
With the German remaining a doubt for the upcoming Champions League game against Liverpool, a new report from MARCA suggests Eduardo Camavinga is pushing for a place in the starting eleven in Anfield this midweek.
This is mainly because of Camavinga’s own performances in the past few matches. He took control of the midfield exceedingly well in the game against Osasuna. Although he was lucky not to pick up a red, he controlled the game well and offered stability in the middle of the park.
This quality could come in handy against a team like Liverpool that likes to disrupt the flow of the opposition when they are not in possession.
Camavinga has been of great utility for Real Madrid throughout the course of the season so far. Despite concerns over him not fulfilling his potential at Santiago Bernabeu, the 2022 World Cup finalist’s versatility has been very useful to the team.
Earlier this year, Camavinga has already featured as a left-back, in order to deputise for the injured Ferland Mendy and David Alaba. His performances in central midfield has been impressive as well, potentially causing a selection dilemma for coach Carlo Ancelotti.
However, the report suggests it will not come as a surprise to see Tchouameni getting the nod ahead in the double-pivot against Liverpool. Ancelotti, after all, has heavily favoured the former AS Monaco starlet to operate in midfield and he could follow the same principle this midweek.
Real Madrid are set to kick off their Champions League campaign on Tuesday when they host Inter Milan at the Bernabeu.
Jose Mourinho’s side will be looking to bounce back after suffering their first defeat of the season, a 1-0 loss to Real Betis last time out.
And ahead of the crucial European opener, the Portuguese has received a timely boost, with Thiago Pitarch and Endrick both in contention to feature.
Pitarch and Endrick back in training
According to Arancha Rodriguez, Pitarch and Endrick returned to full group training on Sunday, alongside Aurelien Tchouameni, in the final session before the Inter clash. Both are now in contention to make the squad vs Inter.
All three had been sidelined by injury, with Pitarch having suffered a torn medial collateral ligament during pre-season and Endrick nursing a muscular problem.
Their return to team training is a welcome development for Mourinho, even if none of the trio are likely to start given they missed more than a month of preparation.
Of the group, Pitarch and Endrick are reported to have the best chance of making the matchday squad, with the pair now working to sharpen their fitness in the coming days.
Why Pitarch could prove crucial
Pitarch’s potential availability is particularly significant given Mourinho’s threadbare midfield options for the Inter game.
Real Madrid will be without Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Guler and Bernardo Silva, all of whom are suspended, leaving the Portuguese short in the middle of the park.
With Tchouameni also only just returning from a groin issue, the young Spaniard could offer valuable depth in an area where Mourinho has few alternatives.
For Endrick, meanwhile, the game represents a chance to make his competitive debut under Mourinho and begin clawing back ground on Carlos Espi in the race for a bench role in attack.
While Mourinho will not want to rush any of his returning players, having Pitarch and Endrick back in the fold offers him some much-needed flexibility as Real Madrid look to make a statement in Europe.
