Camavinga Returns to Group Training with Eyes on the Derby

The Real Madrid faces one of the most crucial moments of the season after the c onfirmation of Kylian Mbappé's absence, who will be out of action for several weeks due to a muscle injury. The news has been a severe blow to Carlo Ancelotti's plans, losing his offensive star at a decisive moment. However, the white team has received a dose of hope with the early recovery of Eduardo Camavinga, who could reappear just in time for the derby against Atlético de Madrid this Sunday.

Camavinga, 21 years old, has been out of action since August 13, when he suffered a sprain of the internal collateral ligament of his left knee during a training session before the European Super Cup, after a hard tackle from his compatriot Aurélien Tchouaméni. Since then, the young French midfielder has worked intensively on his recovery, with a specific plan to speed up the deadlines. After several solo training sessions, this Thursday he trained with the rest of his teammates, aiming to be available for the derby at the Metropolitano.

During his absence, the young midfielder has followed a rehabilitation process away from media attention, maintaining an intensive work regime in Valdebebas to strengthen his injured knee. Although he has not officially participated this season, his progress has been positive, and everything points to him returning to the squad to face Atlético. Even so, his starting position is in doubt, but his mere presence on the bench would offer Ancelotti a valuable tactical option to reinforce the midfield in a high-demand match.

The return of the midfielder is shaping up as a lifeline for the merengue team, which has had to adjust its tactical system after Mbappé's absence. Ancelotti had opted for a 4-3-3 scheme with the French forward as a key piece, but without him, it is likely that the coach will return to a more balanced 4-4-2, focusing his strategy on a strengthened midfield. In this sense, Camavinga's return could be crucial to restoring defensive solidity and dynamism in midfield that has been sorely missed in recent weeks.

Ancelotti's idea of forming a quartet in midfield seems increasingly likely, with Tchouaméni, Valverde, and Bellingham as regulars. If Camavinga manages to be fit for Sunday, he would join them to bring his energy and balance in what is expected to be a very physical duel. Otherwise, Luka Modric would be responsible for completing the midfield, although the Croatian, despite his veteran status, has seen reduced participation this season.

Real Madrid has had a solid start to the campaign in terms of results, with seven wins and two draws, including winning the European Super Cup. However, in terms of play, feelings have not been as positive, especially in defense, where despite keeping a clean sheet in four out of seven matches, the team has shown vulnerabilities. The recent duel against Stuttgart highlighted these problems, with the German team generating up to 17 shots, seven on target, forcing Courtois to be the hero of the match.