Real Madrid News
Three Real Madrid players at risk of suspension against Liverpool
Real Madrid’s ongoing injury crisis continues to put pressure on the team, as Carlo Ancelotti heads to Liverpool without six key players.
However, alongside this injury problem, the team also faces the risk of suspensions for several players. There are currently three active players in danger of missing future matches due to yellow card accumulation.
In fact, as many as three of these players—Luka Modric, Eduardo Camavinga, and Lucas Vazquez—are at risk for the upcoming game on December 10th against Atalanta. Furthermore, although injured and won’t face Liverpool, Vinicius Jr. is at risk as well.
Troubles for Real Madrid
Modric has been booked twice in the group stages, first against Stuttgart and then Lille. Camavinga saw yellow in both the match against Lille and the one against Milan.
Meanwhile, Vazquez has received two yellow cards, one in the Stuttgart match and another against Milan.
Real Madrid are currently the second most-carded team in this year’s Champions League, with 14 yellow cards, just behind Girona, who have 15, and tied with Sturm Graz. Ancelotti himself has also been booked during the tournament.
Getting bad to worse
This growing list of yellow cards is proving to be a significant challenge for the defending champions. After recent defeats to Lille and Milan, Madrid cannot afford any more slip-ups if they are to secure a top-eight finish in the group stage.
Finishing in the top eight guarantees a direct spot in the round of 16, bypassing the additional knockout round, which involves teams finishing between 9th and 24th place. Madrid, with six points from four games, are currently in 21st place.
It must be noted that the new tournament format now requires teams to play more matches, with the eventual champions needing to play between 15 and 17 games, compared to the previous 13.
Despite that, though, the rule regarding yellow card suspensions remains unchanged. Players who accumulate three yellow cards face a suspension, and subsequent bans occur after every two yellow cards.
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.
