Real Madrid News
Real Madrid will block 24-year-old from participating in the Olympics
Brahim Diaz enjoyed a splendid first season at Real Madrid after his return from loan, and the 2023-24 campaign was career-defining for him in many ways.
For starters, the youngster established himself as an able resource in Carlo Ancelotti’s plans and earned a prominent spot on the bench.
Furthermore, he also answered a long-standing question over his national federation as he opted to represent Morocco over Spain.
The African nation will participate in the upcoming Paris Olympics next month and hope to have Diaz’s services for the event.
According to reports from AS, however, Real Madrid are not keen.
Diaz will be critical
Real Madrid have already made it clear that the players of the French National Team cannot leave the club’s schedule to participate in the quadrennial event, especially given the hectic European Championships that is currently underway.
As such, new acquisition Kylian Mbappe will not be allowed to play in the Olympics in his homeland this summer.
Like Mbappe, Brahim is also expected to miss the Olympics for the same reason. The Spanish-Moroccan star is not participating in either the Euros or the Copa America, but Carlo Ancelotti has a special plan in place for him.
With both European and South American players playing into next month, they will miss the beginning of pre-season with the club and return late. Moreover, their fitness will be called into question, especially after a hectic event.
The manager thus believes that Brahim will have a big role in the team in the initial months of the season including the European Super Cup, perhaps even one of a regular starter.
Morocco will not give up
The Spanish outlet also states that Ancelotti and Co. are aware that Morocco will not be happy with the club’s decision. After all, Brahim is one of the biggest stars for the North African side and would lead the team in the Olympics.
Real Madrid thus expect Morocco to make at least one more attempt to coerce them into granting the player permission just as Real Betis and Villarreal will permit Ez Abde and Ilias Akomach respectively.
Brahim, for his part, understands the club’s stance and will not push to participate in the quadrennial event. He will accept the club’s decision and justification.
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.
