Real Madrid News
Real Madrid still not planning to sign a defender after young centre-back suffers injury
Real Madrid are in neck-deep water in their defensive crisis. What began as a solitary blow in Eder Militao’s ACL tear was complicated recently when David Alaba suffered the same fate.
Heading to the Spanish Super Cup, Carlo Ancelotti had only Antonio Rudiger and Nacho Fernandez as his fit central defenders with some backup resources from the academy joining the troupe to Saudi Arabia.
One such young name was Alvaro Carillo who had even made his debut for the first team in the cup clash against Arandina.
A new blow
As revealed by Rodra, Carillo has suffered an injury to his rectus muscle and will be out for several weeks as it stands.
This only adds to the team’s already long-standing curse in defence, eliminating yet another option the manager could count on in defence.
Moreover, he is not the only youth defender injured for Real Madrid right now.
Raul Asencio suffered a blow last weekend while young Marvel, who was called up for first-team training several times this year, is also unavailable until mid-February.
Needless to say, these are trying times for Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti as they tread a tightrope over the defensive stability.
No change in plan
The Spanish journalist further reports that despite the latest blow inflicted on Real Madrid, it will bear no effect on their plan for the winter transfer window. Los Blancos are against making a signing in January and will not eye any new signing this month.
Nacho and Rudiger will continue as Real Madrid’s first-choice defenders with Aurelien Tchouameni serving as the first-choice backup. The management have complete faith in the current squad and its ability to cope with the deficit.
A sustainable solution will be explored in June, with Leny Yoro really impressing Real Madrid in recent weeks.
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.
