The international break has brought both shining performances and unfortunate setbacks for Real Madrid. Under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti, several players showcased their skills on the global stage. Notably, Brazilian stars Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo, and Éder Militão participated in two friendly matches against Senegal and Tunisia. Rodrygo was instrumental in securing a 2-0 victory over Senegal, demonstrating his growing influence in the squad. Throughout this period, all three players exhibited impressive form and creativity, much to the delight of Madridistas.
On the European front, Turkish midfielder Arda Güler continued to impress with his consistent performances. He played a vital role in Turkey’s 2-0 triumph over Bulgaria, although he did not feature in the 2-2 draw against Spain. Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappé stole the spotlight for France by netting a brace and providing an assist in their dominant 4-0 win over Ukraine, further solidifying his status as one of the world’s elite players. Additionally, young Spanish talent Gonzalo García found the back of the net for the U21 team against Romania, showcasing the depth of talent within Real Madrid’s ranks.
Injury Woes Complicate Matters
Despite these standout individual performances, the international break was marred by injuries that have cast a shadow over Real Madrid’s preparations. Éder Militão suffered an injury during Brazil’s friendly against Tunisia on Tuesday. Fabrizio Romano reported that the central defender will undergo tests within 24 hours to assess the severity of his ailment, which appears to be related to his right adductor muscle. According to El Chiringuito TV, Militão is dealing with a strain that could sideline him for an extended period.
This setback is particularly concerning for Real Madrid as Militão has been a cornerstone of their defense this season, consistently delivering strong performances. His recent display against Brazil had earned him praise from Spanish media, highlighting how critical he is to Ancelotti’s plans. Unfortunately for Militão, recurring injuries have hindered his ability to maintain peak form throughout his career.
More Bad News for Real Madrid
As if that wasn’t enough, Dean Huijsen, Militão’s defensive partner at the U21 level, also left Spain’s training camp due to muscular issues. The 20-year-old has returned to Madrid for treatment and did not feature in either of Spain’s recent matches. Although he has been somewhat inconsistent, Huijsen is regarded as a reliable presence in defense.
The absence of these two key defenders leaves coach Xabi Alonso facing significant challenges as he prepares for upcoming fixtures. With Antonio Rüdiger still working towards full fitness and not yet ready for action, Alonso will need to find solutions with limited resources at his disposal.
The international break has certainly provided mixed blessings for Real Madrid—while some players have excelled on the international stage, injuries threaten to disrupt their momentum as they look ahead to crucial matches in La Liga and beyond.
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