Real Madrid News
Real Madrid to be boosted by the return of these five players after international break
Real Madrid are starting to peak at the right time for the umpteenth season, as the Spanish giants have truly looked in inspired form in recent weeks.
However, a key risk for Real Madrid will be injuries, as the club are still missing way too many stars due to long-term spells on the sidelines.
That is where the upcoming international break – last one before the World Cup – could prove to be extremely handy.
According to The Touchline, Real Madrid could be boosted by the return of five injured players after the international break.
Who are these five players?
The headline news for Madridistas is the return of Jude Bellingham. The Englishman has been sidelined since February 1 with a persistent hamstring injury.
After missing six weeks of action, Bellingham has finally resumed partial group training. While he travelled to Manchester for the recent European tie, he remained a spectator. He is now targeting 100% fitness for the final sprint of the season.
Ferland Mendy, meanwhile, is also expected to come back from injury after the international break, provided he recovers from a muscular injury in his right biceps femoris sustained in mid-March.
Joining him is Eder Militao, who is nearing the end of a gruelling seven-month rehabilitation process.
After overcoming a severe hamstring tear suffered in December, the Brazilian has been training with the ball at Valdebebas and is slated for a competitive return following the international window.
Meanwhile, David Alaba has overcome a calf injury that forced him to miss three matches. Although he recently made the squad list as a substitute, the break will allow him to regain the match rhythm necessary to start.
Finally, Dani Ceballos is set to bolster the midfield rotation. The Spaniard has been nursing a soleus injury in his right leg since late February.
Despite an initial two-month diagnosis, his recovery has been ahead of schedule, ensuring he is available to provide fresh legs during a congested April schedule.
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.
