Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has offered an update on the fitness of French midfielder Eduardo Camavinga ahead of his side's La Liga clash with Espanyol. The 21-year-old star was ruled out for 11 games after picking up an injury on August 13.
Speaking to the press ahead of his club's next LaLiga fixture, Ancelotti told the press (via Madrid Xtra):
"Camavinga will start training with the team next week. He feels good. He's very important because we will be able to rotate the midfielders more."
The Spanish giants have won four out of their last five games and will be keen to welcome the Frenchman back into their team as soon as possible.
Camavinga signed for reigning European champions in 2021 from Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais for a reported €31 million fee and has gone on to make 145 appearances for Los Blancos. He has won two UEFA Champions League titles, La Ligas, UEFA Super Cups, Spanish Super Cups, and one Copa del Rey title.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti discusses lack of balance in the team
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti discussed how he aims to find balance in his team as the season progresses. The Italian manager has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal, with stars like Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr, Endrick, and Arda Guler all competing for a starting berth.
The reigning La Liga champions are currently undefeated in all competitions this season and head into their next league game against Espanyol after a 3-1 win over Vfb Stuttgart in the UEFA Champions League.
Speaking about his intent to find balance with his all-star team, Ancelloti said (via Madrid Universal):
“The aim of the team is to be compact. If Vinicius, Kylian and Rodrygo press and the midfielders don’t get forward, it’s not Vinicius and Mbappe’s problem. To be compact, we have to bring the lines closer together. That’s all. I understand you, your thinking. That the lack of balance is because Vinicius, Mbappe and Rodrygo don’t work. It’s not like that."
The Italian concluded, saying:
"I don’t ask them to do the work of the midfielders and defenders. If I want to defend I don’t put them in, I put three defenders in. Unfortunately, there is work with and without the ball and we have to find the balance there.”
Real Madrid currently sit third in La Liga, four points behind arch-rivals and league leaders Barcelona on the table.