Real Madrid News
Rival watch: Real Madrid handed boost as Bayern Munich duo doubts for UCL clash
Real Madrid defended their status as the kings of the Champions League earlier this week, downing Pep Guardiola’s mighty Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium after a nervy encounter.
The win in the quarterfinal sees Los Blancos move to the final-four stage of the event where they lock horns with Bavarian giants Bayern Munich.
Thomas Tuchel’s side eliminated Arsenal to book a slot in the semifinal and will prove to be the next big hurdle for Carlo Ancelotti’s men.
The first leg will be played at Allianz Arena on the 30th of April with the second leg scheduled for a week later in Madrid.
Two big blows
Less than two weeks remain before the first leg of the Champions League semifinal kicks off, and SPORT reveals that Tuchel risks missing the presence of two key stars through injury for the game.
Speaking to the media ahead of Bayern Munich’s clash against Union Berlin, the German manager confirmed the status of both injured stars – Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry – and provided an update on their availability.
“For Serge Gnabry it will be a time trial race before the match against Real Madrid. With Leroy Sané it will be a race against pain.”
“We will probably not take Leroy to Berlin, it is very unlikely. We will sit down with the physios and the players this afternoon and see who is really painless,” he added on the dup’s immediate status.
Gnabry sustained an injury to his left hamstring in Bayern Munich’s first leg against Arsenal, and his participation against Real Madrid in Munich is almost ruled out.
Sane, meanwhile, has a better chance of making it back in time but his participation will depend on his sensations and pain at the time.
A stiff challenge
Bayern Munich have not had the best of domestic campaigns this year, with Bayer Leverkusen breaking their run of 11 consecutive league titles last week by winning the Bundesliga.
Now no longer in contention for the Bundesliga title, Bayern Munich only have the Champions League to focus on. If anything, that only complicates the case for Real Madrid who still have to fight on two fronts.
“Bayern is up next, and they have beaten a strong Arsenal team. They are dangerous because they only have the Champions League left [to fight for],” Toni Kroos said in a recent interview, hinting at the same.
Two absences from Bayern’s camp will thus go a long way in helping Real Madrid secure a positive result away from home and set up for a grand second leg at home. They are, after all, the favourites as it stands.
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.
