Real Madrid News
Real Madrid to bench midfield superstar for Mallorca and Bayern Munich clashes
Real Madrid are set to take a measured approach with Jude Bellingham as the midfielder continues his recovery, with no intention of rushing him back into the starting lineup.
According to recent updates from AS, Bellingham will not start the upcoming clash against Mallorca and is also highly unlikely to feature from the beginning in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich.
The situation around Bellingham may seem slightly contradictory at first glance.
He has returned to the squad and has been medically cleared to play, yet he is still not considered fully match-ready.
The explanation, however, is that being available and being at peak condition are two very different things.
The England call-up
During the recent international break, Bellingham travelled to London to join up with the national team but did not feature in any matches.
The decision was deliberate, aimed at avoiding any unnecessary strain that could risk a setback.
The midfielder has only just returned from a muscle injury sustained earlier this year, specifically a tear in the muscle of his left leg.
Since making his comeback, his involvement has been minimal, with just 17 minutes of action under his belt.
Will not start
For now, Bellingham will be included in matchday squads and may see limited action off the bench, but he will not be rushed into a starting role.
In the meantime, Real Madrid will continue to rely on the midfield structure that has kept performances stable in his absence.
This means Federico Valverde is expected to operate on the right, while Aurelien Tchouameni and Thiago Pitarch will anchor the midfield. Arda Guler is also set to play a key role on the left.
While Bellingham is seen as an undisputed starter once fully fit, Real Madrid are choosing control over urgency, ensuring their star midfielder returns at full strength.
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.
