Real Madrid News
Real Madrid summer signing faces tough competition ahead of return to lineup for derby
Real Madrid lock horns with neighbours Atletico Madrid tomorrow in La Liga aiming to continue on their good run of form.
The game will mark the return to the starting XI for Real Madrid megastar Kylian Mbappe, who is now at 100% fitness and fully ready to play.
Alvaro Carreras also set to return but needs to step up
According to AS, Alvaro Carreras is also expected to start for Real Madrid in the derby this Sunday.
However, the summer signing is fully aware that the competition for the left-back position at Real Madrid has risen significantly in his absence and he will need to step up.
Carreras still retains strong standing within the squad. But Ferland Mendy impressed against Celta Vigo and Manchester City in the first leg, and Fran Garcia delivered an excellent performance at the Etihad Stadium.
Within this context, Carreras returns knowing that he must make his presence felt again, as securing a place in the starting eleven has become more demanding.
Carreras’ absence has only lasted 18 days. On 2 March, against Getafe, he suffered a heavy blow to his left calf. Initially, the issue did not raise concern, but it gradually became more complicated.
The pain forced him to miss the first leg against Manchester City and two league matches against Celta Vigo and Elche. He travelled to Manchester for the second leg but was not fit to start.
Over the past two and a half weeks, his time has been focused more on physiotherapy and gym work than on the pitch.
Carreras has completed sessions with the group without any issues, taking part in warm-ups, rondos, physical drills, shooting exercises, and match simulations. Within the club, the message is clear: he is fully fit and ready to start.
Meanwhile, Mendy will be absent due to a hamstring injury in his right leg, although he is expected to return after the international break.
The Frenchman is expected to recover in time for the upcoming tie against Bayern Munich, and his strong displays before injury have reignited debate over the left-back position, particularly for high-level matches.
As such, Carreras may no longer be seen as an automatic starter. If he has not lost that status entirely, it has at least been placed under question. Although he is set to return to the starting line-up, he is aware of the situation.
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.
