Real Madrid News
Report: Several Real Madrid stars expected teammate to join Arsenal in the summer
One month into the new season, Real Madrid must be ruing the renewal of Vinicius Jr., who has been one of the club’s biggest disappointments this term.
The Brazilian international has not provided much to the table and has only scored one goal so far, to a point where his place in the team could be in danger.
This is far cry to what could have been for Vinicius, given that the player was linked with a move to the Premier League in the summer.
Many expected Vinicius to join Arsenal
According to El Larguero, many of Vinicius’ teammates assumed he would leave for Arsenal during the summer transfer window.
The Premier League club had reportedly gone all out to sign him, with the aim of making Vinicius the worldwide image of their league.
Ultimately, the Brazilian opted to stay and commit his long-term future to Real Madrid, but the belief within the dressing room is that, mentally, he had already left.
That perceived shift in mindset could go some way to explaining Vinicius’ underwhelming start to the campaign.
The winger has looked a shadow of the player who was once a Ballon d’Or contender, and has already been substituted in four consecutive matches, including a 54th-minute withdrawal in the Madrid derby.
As a result, the report suggests Mourinho now faces a significant decision over whether to persist with Vinicius in the starting eleven.
What’s next for Vinicius?
The coming weeks could prove pivotal in determining how Vinicius’ season unfolds.
Mourinho has so far shown a willingness to hook the Brazilian early, a clear sign that his patience is wearing thin.
With Kylian Mbappe firmly established as the focal point and the likes of Yan Diomande, Rodrygo and Arda Guler pushing for minutes, Vinicius can no longer take his place for granted.
The international break offers the winger a chance to reset, though a strong showing for Brazil would do his confidence no harm.
For Real Madrid, a firing Vinicius is crucial to their hopes of reeling in Barcelona. Should his struggles persist, however, Mourinho may be forced to make tough calls, and the Brazilian could find himself slipping down the pecking order.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid hope captain will resume group training tomorrow and be ready for Villarreal
Real Madrid received a major boost in training today as Kylian Mbappe participated in the group session, indicating his readiness for the upcoming game against Villarreal.
The French superstar had returned from international duty with a knee injury, but seems to have left it behind and appears ready to start at the Santiago Bernabeu come Saturday.
What about Federico Valverde?
Now, according to AS, Federico Valverde was not part of the group training session today at Valdebebas. Instead, he was involved in an individual session away from his teammates.
However, Real Madrid hope that their club captain will be able to resume working with the rest of the squad on Thursday, putting him in the fray to return in time for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal.
Valverde is currently recovering from an ankle sprain that he sustained in Real Madrid’s 2-1 derby defeat against Atletico Madrid prior to the international break.
The Uruguayan midfielder was on the receiving end of a harsh tackle from Kang-In Lee, which left him injured, ruling him out of action for the national team.
The 28-year-old stayed behind in Madrid and has worked hard on his recovery, with things progressing in the right direction.
What now remains to be seen is whether he can jump back into group training session on Thursday, which would put him on the path to return to action against Villarreal.
A key player for Mourinho
So far this season, Valverde has emerged as a permanent fixture in the team under new manager Jose Mourinho.
The Real Madrid captain has started all of the team’s eight matches in all competitions this term, scoring and assisting one goal apiece.
His potential availability for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal will come as a major boost for Mourinho & co. Everything will depend on how things progress in tomorrow’s training session at Valdebebas.
With Ibrahima Konate also recovering from his knee sprain, Real Madrid have only three players sidelined currently: Raul Asencio, who recently underwent surgery, Rodrygo Goes, who is a long-term absentee, and Ferland Mendy, who has resumed work with the ball.
