Real Madrid News
Real Madrid superstar suffers hamstring injury against Real Betis
Just when it seemed like Real Madrid were past their poor run of form with their win over Deportivo Alaves, the men in white dropped two points yet again on Friday night.
On the night, the Merengues were playing at the Benito Villamarin against Real Betis, and they took the lead through an early Vinicius Jr. goal.
However, a late equaliser in the final minute of the game via Hector Bellerin saw the spoils shared once more.
What’s worse than the result itself, however, is the fact that Kylian Mbappe left the field in discomfort in the 81st minute of the game, leaving fans and the management worried ahead of the final games of the season.
A hamstring blow
As confirmed by Jose Luis Sanchez via Fabrizio Romano, Mbappe has suffered an overload in the hamstring of his left leg.
Prima facie, the setback did not look too serious, but the involvement of the hamstring does not bode well.
Given that the player asked for a substitution and could not continue, it is clear that he will now face some time on the sidelines, which comes as a massive blow to Alvaro Arbeloa’s plans.
Tests will be carried out on Saturday to determine the nature and extent of Mbappe’s setback and possibly provide an estimate of his duration out.
As is the norm with hamstring injuries, however, the player may well be out for a few weeks at least, with his season being over in the worst-case scenario.
The Frenchman will almost certainly miss the team’s game against Espanyol away from home early next month, but the big question remains his participation in El Clasico.
After all, just over two weeks remain for the potentially title-deciding tie, and not having Mbappe for that game will be disastrous.
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.
