Real Madrid News
Real Madrid summer signing set to start remaining matches after injury to defensive mainstay
In top-level football, setbacks often create unexpected openings and at Real Madrid, that reality is now playing out in defence.
The recent injury to Eder Militao, which has ruled him out for the remainder of the season, has forced a reshuffle at the back.
But more importantly, it has handed a crucial opportunity to Dean Huijsen, who will play the final games with an eye on making a strong push for the World Cup.
The young centre-back has already shown glimpses of his quality, as, despite the instability around him, he has stood out as one of the few consistent performers under Alvaro Arbeloa.
The stage is yours
Now, with Militao unavailable, Huijsen is expected to step into a far more prominent role.
In fact, a report from Ok Diario mentions that he is likely to start the remaining five matches of the campaign, effectively becoming a regular in the heart of Madrid’s defence at a crucial stage of the season.
Earlier in the campaign, his path into the starting XI had been blocked by Militao’s return, combined with the established presence of Antonio Rüdiger.
This pushed him down the pecking order, and as a result, opportunities were limited, and his development risked stalling.
But football rarely follows a straight line.
In the last two league matches, Huijsen has already found his way back into the starting lineup, and now circumstances have shifted in his favour.
Eyes on the World Cup
Beyond club football, with the World Cup approaching, Huijsen is aiming to secure his place in Luis de la Fuente’s squad.
He has already been on the national team’s radar, but consistent minutes at the club level were always going to be decisive.
Militao’s absence, while unfortunate for Madrid, may ultimately work in Huijsen’s favour.
It removes immediate competition and gives him a clear runway to prove himself at the highest level.
If he can deliver over the final stretch of the season, this period could be a turning point in his club and international career.
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.
