Real Madrid News
Real Madrid superstar sends out emotional message after being named in FIFA FIFPro World XI: “Grateful”
It has not been an easy six months for Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian international has been out of action for Real Madrid since August last year owing to an ACL injury he suffered in pre-season and has thus had to remain away from what he loves most – playing football.
Despite not being on the field for half a year, he was recognised and honoured at the FIFA The Best gala last night as he was voted to be the goalkeeper for the FIFA FIFPro World XI for 2023.
Courtois shares an emotional message
The Belgian’s appointment on the world’s best XI was surprising but certainly not undeserved. It was on the back of his incredible performances for Real Madrid towards the second half of last season where he led his team to a podium finish in the Copa del Rey and a respectable position in La Liga.
After the Gala, the shot-stopper shared an emotional message to the FIFA organisation to recognise his game at a difficult moment in his professional career.
“When you are for a while without doing what you know in a field, these recognitions add up to come back and do even better. Grateful!,” he said, stressing how much it meant to him via his social media.
Back on the field
As is the case with any ACL injury, the recuperative process has been very challenging for Courtois. Already out for six months, he is still nowhere close to complete fitness.
Yet, he has taken big steps in his recovery in recent months with the biggest update arriving earlier this month. As of last week, the goalkeeper returned to training on the field and even tweeted footage of his first run out on the grass.
He is expected to return to group training by late March or early April and will likely miss the EUROs to focus on his recovery and make a complete return for next season.
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.
