Return of injured Real Madrid duo raises more questions than answers for Xabi Alonso | OneFootball

Real Madrid are back in training after a short international break, and all eyes are on players recovering from injuries.

Among the most important returns expected this week are Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga, two midfielders who have been central to the team’s success in the past.

Notably, their return will give Xabi Alonso more options as he continues to shape his Real Madrid project.

It is known that the new Real Madrid manager has begun to define his preferred starting XI, but with a busy schedule ahead, rotations are expected.

Still, some players are looking to cement their place in the most important matches, at least until Bellingham is fully fit.

Amidst all this, Camavinga and Endrick, who have been sidelined for months, are expected to return to training in full this week following the international break.

Their comebacks are a welcome boost for Alonso, but at the same time, their return raises more questions than it provides answers.

How will Alonso accommodate Camavinga?

Camavinga’s return will raise questions. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

While Alonso will be happy to have Camavinga and Endrick back, integrating them into the team will not be straightforward.

The midfield situation is especially tricky, as Camavinga faces stiff competition from regular starters Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde.

The third midfield slot tends to favour more creative players, such as Arda Guler and Bellingham’s return will make it more complicated.

Camavinga could occasionally play in a role similar to Valverde’s, but his tendency to disconnect in matches raises doubts about whether he can handle the pivot position consistently.

Alonso values this position highly, and Valverde has been performing at a top level. This makes Camavinga’s fight for a regular starting spot particularly challenging, at least until he adapts fully to Alonso’s system.

What about Endrick?

For Endrick, the challenge is even bigger. The Brazilian forward has missed several months due to injury, which puts him at a disadvantage compared to his teammates.

Pressure will be on Endrick to perform at the top level. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Up front, Kylian Mbappe will only miss a few games, but Alonso also has Gonzalo Garcia, who earned his place in the World Cup and is now considered a reliable option in attack.

Endrick is likely to compete for a place in the forward line, but perhaps not as a central striker.

A more realistic option might be the right wing, where he can grow and gradually earn playing time.

This position would allow him to gain match fitness and confidence without being immediately compared to established stars like Mbappe.

All eyes on Alonso

With the return of Camavinga and Endrick, Xabi Alonso now has more flexibility in his squad.

The coach will need to carefully manage rotations, especially with the number of games coming up in La Liga, Champions League, and domestic cups.

Both players bring talent and potential, but finding the right balance between them and the current regular starters will be key for Real Madrid’s success this season.