Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti provides fitness update on Eduardo Camavinga ahead of Atletico Madrid clash
Real Madrid will be taking on Atletico Madrid in the highly anticipated Madrid derby on Sunday (September 29) at the Civitas Metropolitano. Prior to the fixture, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has given an important injury update on Eduardo Camavinga.
The French midfielder had suffered a knee ligament sprain in August. As per the early reports in Spanish media, he was supposed to be out for around seven weeks. That would have seen him miss the opening fixtures of the Champions League in September and early October.
However, Carlo Ancelotti has now provided a booster update prior to the Madrid derby. He revealed at the pre-match press conference (via The Athletic):
"Camavinga is available, he has trained and recovered well, he is in good condition. If one is available, he can play 90 or 0 minutes."
The return of Eduardo Camavinga to the Real Madrid squad will give Ancelotti a better dynamic heading into the derby. The French youngster usually plays as a central midfielder but his defensive abilities have also been utilized by the Italian manager as he has often used the 21-year-old as a full-back.
Last season, Camavinga was used as a defensive midfielder in 19 matches and as a left-back on six occasions. He had notable contributions in the Champions League as well, as he registered two assists across 11 games in the competition. This season, he is yet to get a start to his name. He was on the bench against Atalanta for the UEFA Super Cup, but wasn't given the minutes.
Madrid Derby to be a high-stakes fixture
Real Madrid are currently sitting second in the La Liga table behind Barcelona, who are four points clear of Carlo Ancelotti's side. Atletico Madrid on the other hand, are placed third with 15 points from the first seven matches.
Diego Simeone's side have started well, registering four wins and three draws in the seven games played so far. Real Madrid meanwhile, are currently on a 39-game unbeaten streak in the La Liga. They are four matches away from leveling Barcelona's all-time record of 43 games, which came during the 2017-18 season.
Although Carlo Ancelotti might receive the services of French midfielder Eduardo Camavinga in this derby, he will be missing the services of Kylian Mbappe up front. The French forward has been sidelined due to an thigh injury.
Diego Simeone's side, meanwhile, will miss Cesar Azpilicueta, Thomas Lemar and Pablo Barrios, all three of whom are injured. Julian Alvarez and Rodrigo De Paul are expected to make a start against the city rivals on Sunday.