Real Madrid News
Rival watch: Liverpool left-back a doubt for Real Madrid clash after fresh ankle injury
According to a recent update provided by Paul Joyce, it has come to light that Liverpool defender Kostas Tsimikas is facing a short spell on the sidelines after suffering an ankle injury during training.
This unfortunate setback leaves him highly likely to miss Liverpool’s upcoming match against Real Madrid, adding to the club’s defensive concerns.
Manager Arne Slot, already grappling with issues regarding the right side of the defence, now faces a challenge on the left as well.
A regular player in rotation
Tsimikas has been a valuable player for Liverpool this season, stepping in regularly for Andy Robertson.
Since Slot’s arrival at Anfield, the Greek defender has found more opportunities to feature, including making six starts in all competitions. Half of these starts came in the Champions League group stages, highlighting his importance to the team.
Before his injury, Tsimikas had been expected to feature prominently, especially after Robertson played a full 90 minutes in Liverpool’s 3-2 win against Southampton.
With Robertson’s continued fitness, Tsimikas seemed poised to get the nod for the upcoming match against Real Madrid. However, this injury now throws that plan into doubt.
No update on Alexander-Arnold
Adding to Slot’s defensive woes is the uncertainty surrounding the availability of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The right-back was absent for the Southampton match, and while Slot has expressed optimism about his recovery, his fitness for the Real Madrid clash remains uncertain.
If Alexander-Arnold does return to full fitness in time, which is likely since he has returned to group training today, Slot may still hesitate to start him.
The risk of starting a player who has been out for nearly three weeks against a player like Kylian Mbappe is something the manager may want to avoid.
While these defensive absences are a problem for Liverpool, it comes in a blessing in disguise for Real Madrid, who are facing injury issues of their own. This includes the absence of Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, Aurelien Tchouameni and Eder Militao.
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.
