Real Madrid News
Real Madrid veteran still waiting on approach from club before future decision
Dani Carvajal has been making the headlines in the Real Madrid sphere in recent days, with multiple news outlets suggesting that all is not well between the captain and manager Alvaro Arbeloa.
This stems from the manager’s curt and dismissive post-match comments after the Alaves win regarding Carvajal’s limited minutes and how that was hampering his chances of being selected for the World Cup.
Carvajal’s contract with Real Madrid expires on 30 June and so far, all indications are that he could be on his way out in the summer as a free agent.
Carvajal still waiting
Providing an update on his situation, The Athletic reports that Carvajal is still waiting for an approach from the Real Madrid hierarchy to discuss his future.
So far, there have been no talks held between the two parties and the 34-year-old club captain wants to hear what the leadership has to say before making a firm decision on his future.
It has been a difficult season for Carvajal as injuries kept him out for an extended period in the first half, while he has struggled to make it into Arbeloa’s team since January.
So far this term, the Real Madrid captain has played only 20 matches across all competitions, racking up a total of 885 minutes.
What are Carvajal’s options?
For now, Carvajal remains determined to convince Real Madrid to offer him another one-year extension.
However, if the club decide not to renew his contract, the veteran defender will look to move a team that would not directly compete with Los Blancos.
A move to Saudi Arabia or a different Middle-Eastern country, thus, would be an option, along with MLS in the USA. The former is said to appeal more to the defender, although the geopolitical situation in the region could affect any transfer.
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.
