Real Madrid News
Rival watch: Liverpool receive major injury boost ahead of Real Madrid clash
There is a lot of talk in Madrid over the future of Trent Alexander-Arnold as the player is in the final year of his contract at Anfield and far from agreeing on a renewal.
The player is on Real Madrid’s radar as a serious option to reinforce the right-back position and could arrive on a free transfer if everything goes to plan. Needless to say, that factor only added to the hype around the upcoming meeting between the two teams.
Tomorrow night, Los Blancos take on Liverpool at Anfield inthe UEFA Champions League and the player’s participation was under serious doubt as he was injured before the international break and did not feature in the team’s latest game.
Mundo Deportivo, however, now provide an update on the defender’s situation.
Fit to play
As relayed by the Spanish outlet, Alexander-Arnold trained normally with the team on Tuesday and is fit to play against Real Madrid in what is a massive boost for the English side.
Just 17 days after his initial hamstring injury, the player is back at Arne Slot’s disposal and could even start to the team against the Merengues.
Poised to go up against Vinicius Jr on the flank, the stage appeared set for a mega battle between two of the best in the business, but the Brazilian’s latest injury means that Trent will go up against Kylian Mbappe instead.
So far this season, the 26-year-old has two assists to his name across all competitions and averages 2.1 key passes per game. He has created six big chances in that duration and completes 73% of his passes.
His return to the dynamics is a timely boost for the UEFA Champions League leaders ahead of a critical clash, but goalkeeper Alisson is set to miss the game as he is still recovering from his setback. He will be replaced by Caomhin Kelleher.
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.
