Real Madrid have suffered two huge blows during the international break as Vinicius Junior and Eduardo Camavinga have picked up long-term injuries.
Real Madrid have had a great start to the 2023/24 season, and they are currently second in La Liga, just two points behind league leaders Girona. The Merengues have won ten of their 13 matches, accumulating a total of 32 points so far.
Despite long-term injuries to a few of their key players at the very start of the season, Los Blancos have managed to produce the desired results. They might not have played the best of football but have got the job done almost every time they have taken to the field.
The team in white might have managed to win games without Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao who are out for the majority of the season. But, they have now suffered two even bigger blows as star forward Vinicius Junior and Eduardo Camavinga have suffered long-term injuries during the international break.
The 23-year-old Brazilian winger was forced off during their 2-1 loss to Colombia on Thursday. Meanwhile, tests have confirmed he has suffered an injury to the posterior muscle of his left thigh and will be out until the start of February.
Meanwhile, Camavinga has ruptured an external lateral ligament in his right knee while training with his national team and will be out until mid-January. Los Blancos are also without the services of Aurelien Tchouameni, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Arda Guler and Dani Ceballos. Even the availability of Jude Bellingham is doubtful as he is struggling with a shoulder issue.
Vinicius Junior and Eduardo Camavinga: A big setback for Real Madrid
Vinicius Junior was expected to be the leader of the attack in the 2023/24 season with the departure of Karim Benzema from the club in the summer. The Brazilian winger had contributed towards more than 40 goals last season, and he was expected to be the main source of goals for them this season.
However, things have not gone according to plan so far, and the injury to the Brazilian will surely cause them problems. His absence will make them less threatening going forward, and creativity up top will also take a hit. His pace and dribbling ability are two weapons that Real Madrid have depended upon, and with his injury, they will hope that others step up and fill the void
Camavinga’s injury won’t just be a big blow for them in terms of their midfield as the player is capable enough to feature anywhere in the park. The French international has been Carlo Ancelotti’s trump card. The Italian manager has used him to cope with injuries and suspensions.
The 21-year-old’s versatility is second to none, and he has delivered for the Spanish giants while playing in different roles over the years. Camavinga’s injury leaves Real Madrid light in the centre of the park, and it also takes away an x-factor player who has helped Ancelotti cope with different kinds of situations.
The French international’s absence means Ancelotti is playing without a left-back, a central midfielder as well as a defensive midfielder. While these injuries are major blows, they will provide opportunities for others to shine.
Opportunities Arise for Brahim Diaz and Dani Ceballos
After proving himself at AC Milan, Diaz returned to Real Madrid ahead of the ongoing season. The 24-year-old was a key player for Milan during his time in Italy. But, since returning to Spain, he has had limited game time and has not been able to make a big difference.
He has featured in 11 matches but has been on the pitch for just 264 minutes. Despite getting limited opportunities, he has showcased glimpses of what kind of impact he can have and has already found the back of the net twice.
With Vinicius out injured, Diaz could have an extended run in the team and given his abilities, he can surely cement a place for himself in the team. The 24-year-old might not have the pace of the Brazilian. But he surely has similar dribbling abilities and can also contribute with goals and assists.
While Diaz can be a like-for-like replacement for Vinicius, there is no one in the Real Madrid team who can cover the areas of the pitch that Camavinga does. But, his absence can still be negotiated with the help of Dani Ceballos.
The Spanish international is not a direct replacement for the French superstar because he cannot play as a defensive midfielder. But, he will give Ancelotti options to work with. The 27-year-old had an extended role at the club towards the end of last season, and he managed to put in some impressive performances.
Those performances resulted in him getting a new deal. But, injuries at the start of the season have resulted in Ceballos not getting enough game time. However, that will most likely change in the coming months because of a number of injuries that Real Madrid have.
Ceballos will once again get an extended run of games once he is back fully fit. The Spanish international will have the opportunity to once again force his way into Ancelotti’s XI. Both Diaz and Ceballos face an uncertain future at Real Madrid and could benefit from these injuries on the international break.
Nico Paz and Mario Martin: Youthful Prospects to Shine
While Diaz and Ceballos will benefit the most from the injuries to Vinicius & Camavinga, Nico Paz and Mario Martin could also break into the first team. The duo is quite highly rated by people at the club and have the potential of eventually becoming regulars in the first team.
With Los Blancos unlikely to make any major signings in the winter transfer window, Nico Paz and Martin will both get opportunities to be involved with the first team.
Both of them have already played for Los Blancos and soon, they could once again wear the jersey of the first team. Paz could join the first team to ensure they have enough depth up top, while Martin could help them cope with the absence of Camavinga.
While someone like Ceballos can cover for the injury to the French international, they do need a proper defensive midfielder and Martin could be called upon by the Italian boss. Ancelotti plans to use Toni Kroos and David Alaba as a defensive midfielder but given the injury concerns at the back, he could turn towards Martin to cope with the situation.
The injuries to Vinicius Junior and Eduardo Camavinga have come as a huge blow to the team in white, and it could end up being a great opportunity for others around them.
