Real Madrid News
Rival watch: Barcelona superstar set to miss El Clasico vs Real Madrid
Real Madrid’s chances of making a late push for the La Liga title, as things stand, are slim to none.
Even though they managed to end their winless run this week by defeating Deportivo Alaves, Barcelona’s win over Celta Vigo means Los Blancos remain nine points behind their rivals.
For Real Madrid to have even a glimmer of hope, they will need Barça to drop points in their next couple of games before the second El Clasico of the season on 10 May.
No Lamine Yamal for Clasico
When the Clasico does come around in a little over two weeks, Barcelona are set to be without their main attacking weapon, Lamine Yamal, reports AS.
During last night’s game against Celta Vigo, the 18-year-old wonderkid went down clutching the back of his thigh minutes after scoring the match-winning penalty late in the first half.
The youngser is understood to have suffered a hamstring injury, although the full extent of the damage will not be known until today’s medical tests.
But, however minor it may seem, if there is a tear, as it appears, it is highly likely that Lamine will miss the rest of the La Liga season for Barcelona.
It would mean that he would be ruled out of the Clasico on 10 May at the Spotify Camp Nou.
This will come as a major blow for Barcelona in the final phase of the season, while possibly opening the door slightly for Real Madrid, as their rivals are set to lose their most dangerous attacking player.
Barça also have Raphinha sidelined with a hamstring injury currently, but hope to have the Brazilian back in time for El Clasico.
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.
