At this point in time, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti can make use of any resource that comes his way.
The international break is nearing its culmination, and it is safe to say that the hiatus has not gone well for the men in white.
Real Madrid lost Vinicius Jr and Eduardo Camavinga to long-term injuries during the international break and are relatively short-staffed heading into the weekend’s clash against Cadiz.
After all, the likes of Jude Bellingham, Dani Ceballos, Eder Militao, Thibaut Courtois, Aurelien Tchouameni, Arda Guler, and Kepa Arrizabalaga are also in the process of recovery.
Reports yesterday indicated that Los Blancos were close to receiving twin boosts in terms of fitness. Both Bellingham and Ceballos were said to be in the final stages of their recovery, and trained with the group and in the gym yesterday.
However, it soon came to light that the situation of both stars was rather unclear. It was said that their availability would purely depend on their progress this week, for both players were still far from 100%.
According to an update from Miguel Angel Diaz, Carlo Ancelotti is confident that both midfield stars will be ready for the La Liga fixture on Sunday.
This comes as a big news, for the manager has a first-hand account of the players’ sensations.
Real Madrid boasted one of the world’s most formidable midfield units this season, both in terms of strength and depth.
Aurelien Tchouameni bossed the defensive midfield position at an elite level, while Bellingham, Camavinga, Ceballos, Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Federico Valverde worked in tandem to dominate the middle of the park.
With the two French stars now injured, Ancelotti is left with no natural pivot option. Toni Kroos is best placed to start in defensive midfield, while Fede Valverde and Modric could well take up the reins as the interiors.
If fit, Bellingham will be the manager’s default option in the attacking midfield. Brahim Diaz could step in if the Englishman does not make it in time.