Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric has confirmed that left-back Eduardo Camavinga is fit and available for their Champions League clash against Manchester City. Camavinga had an injury scare at the weekend, but it appears that he has fully recovered in time for the crucial match.
Camavinga has been playing out of position at left-back in recent months due to injuries to other players, but he has done a decent job in that role. With first-choice left-back Ferland Mendy still out injured, Camavinga is likely to start in that position once again against City in the second leg of the semi-finals. Real Madrid will need a strong defensive performance from Camavinga and the rest of the team if they are to overturn their 2-1 deficit from the first leg and progress to the final.
WHAT HAPPENED?
During Real Madrid’s La Liga match against Getafe, Eduardo Camavinga picked up a knock and was seen requiring an ice pack on his knee, which led to fears that he might not be available for the crucial Champions League match against Manchester City.
However, Luka Modric has confirmed that Camavinga is fit and ready to play in the second leg of the semi-finals. Camavinga’s availability will be a boost for Real Madrid, who will need all their best players to be fit and ready if they are to overturn their 2-1 deficit from the first leg and progress to the final.
WHAT THEY SAID:.
Luka Modric confirmed in a press conference that Eduardo Camavinga is fit and ready to play in the crucial Champions League match against Manchester City. Modric said, “He is OK and he’s going to play, that’s the most important thing. Since he’s arrived he’s grown a lot, he has proven that he can play very well at left-back. He doesn’t like playing there but he’s doing well and I hope that wherever he plays he does well tomorrow.”
Modric’s comments suggest that Camavinga is an important player for Real Madrid and has adapted well to the left-back position, despite not being his preferred position. Real Madrid will need Camavinga to be at his best if they are to have any chance of overturning their 2-1 deficit and progressing to the final.
THE BIGGER PICTURE:
Eduardo Camavinga played a crucial role for Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Manchester City. He started the game at left-back and played a major role in Madrid’s only goal of the night, assisting Vinicius Junior after running nearly 60 yards from defence to attack.
However, Camavinga also had a hand in City’s equaliser, giving the ball away in the build-up to Kevin De Bruyne’s strike. This highlights the fact that, while Camavinga has adapted well to the left-back position, he still has some defensive weaknesses that City can exploit.
Real Madrid will need Camavinga to be at his best in the second leg if they are to have any chance of overcoming their 2-1 deficit and progressing to the final. They will need him to be solid defensively and also contribute to the attack, as he did in the first leg. If Camavinga can perform to his full potential, he could be a key player for Real Madrid in their quest for Champions League glory.
