Real Madrid handed boost as key player set for return from injury for Intercontinental Cup final: Reports

Real Madrid have reportedly received a huge injury boost as Eduardo Camavinga has returned to training and could be back for their Intercontinental Cup final on Wednesday, December 18.

The French midfielder sustained a muscle injury in Los Blancos' 2-0 UEFA Champions League loss to Liverpool at Anfield on November 27. He picked up a knock and was substituted during the second half. Since then, he has missed league games against Getafe, Athletic Bilbao, and Girona, as well as their recent Champions League clash with Atalanta.

Camavinga is still in recovery, but according to Marca (via Madrid Xtra on X), the 22-year-old will return in the Intercontinental Cup final. Real Madrid will face either Botafogo, Pachua, or Al Ahly in the maiden final of the competition on December 18 at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar.

Camavinga's reported return is good news for Carlo Ancelotti whose side has been hit hard with injuries this campaign. The Frenchman suffered a knee injury at the start of the season which saw him miss Real Madrid's first seven league games. He returned to action in October and contributed one assist in nine appearances across competitions before being ruled out again.

Injuries to natural center-backs Eder Militao and David Alaba has forced the manager to deploy Camavinga as a central defender at some point this season. Despite their injury worries, the Spanish giants have managed to churn out some positive results, winning three of their last five games across competitions.

They will next face Rayo Vallecano away in the league on Saturday, December 14 before jetting to Qatar for the Intercontinental Cup final.

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Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti gives update on Kylian Mbappe's injury

Real Madrid suffered another injury scare as Kylian Mbappe picked up a knock in their 3-2 victory over Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, December 10. The French forward gave his side the lead in the 10th minute but was forced off the pitch 25 minutes later after pulling a muscle.

After the clash, manager Carlo Ancelotti downplayed the seriousness of the injury, saying that it was just an overload. He said (via Madrid Xtra on X):

"Kylian Mbappé's injury does NOT look serious. It's an overload."

Nevertheless, Mbappe's injury comes at a time when the 25-year-old seems to be getting back to his best. He has scored in his last two outings for the clubs, taking his tally to 12 goals and two assists in 22 appearances across competitions.