Real Madrid’s preparations for the 2025-26 La Liga season have taken a devastating blow as Eduardo Camavinga has been diagnosed with a right ankle sprain, marking his fifth injury in just 12 months. With star midfielder Jude Bellingham already sidelined until October and veteran Luka Modric’s departure to AC Milan, Los Blancos find themselves in an unprecedented midfield crisis just days before their season opener.
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Real Madrid’s Midfield Nightmare: Eduardo Camavinga’s Latest Setback
The Santiago Bernabeu faithful received heartbreaking news on August 10, 2025, when Real Madrid’s medical team confirmed that Eduardo Camavinga had suffered a right ankle sprain during training. The official medical report, released on the club’s website, stated: “Following tests conducted on Eduardo Camavinga by the Real Madrid Medical Services, the player has been diagnosed with a sprain to his right ankle. Pending evolution.”.
This latest injury adds to what has become a recurring nightmare for both the 22-year-old French midfielder and Real Madrid. Camavinga has suffered five injuries in the last 12 months, limiting him to 19 appearances in LaLiga last season. The timing couldn’t be worse, with Real Madrid set to kick off their 2025-26 campaign against Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabéu on August 19.
The Injury Timeline and Recovery Expectations
According to multiple sources, Camavinga is expected to be out for at least 10 days, though some reports suggest the recovery period could extend to at least two weeks. The injury occurred during a training session, where Camavinga missed several training sessions, including one on Sunday morning, raising immediate concerns about his availability for crucial upcoming fixtures.
The severity of the injury means that Real Madrid face Osasuna next Tuesday (19/08), it would come too soon for him to be involved, effectively ruling him out of Real Madrid’s season opener under new manager Xabi Alonso.
Real Madrid’s Mounting Midfield Crisis
Eduardo Camavinga’s injury compounds an already serious situation at Real Madrid. The club is dealing with multiple absences that threaten to derail their season before it even begins:
Key Absences Affecting Real Madrid
| Player | Injury Type | Expected Return | Impact Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jude Bellingham | Shoulder surgery | October 2025 | Critical |
| Eduardo Camavinga | Right ankle sprain | Late August 2025 | High |
| Luka Modric | Transfer (AC Milan) | N/A – Permanent | Significant |
| Dani Ceballos | Previous ankle injury | Varies | Moderate |
Madrid are already without star midfielder Jude Bellingham — who underwent shoulder surgery last month and is expected to be out of action until October, leaving Xabi Alonso with severely limited options in the heart of midfield.
The Departure of Luka Modric
The situation has been further complicated by the departure of veteran Luka Modric, who joined AC Milan this summer. The Croatian maestro’s exit has left a massive void in terms of experience and creativity, making Eduardo Camavinga’s availability even more crucial for Real Madrid’s success.
Real Madrid’s Transfer Window Miscalculation
Perhaps most concerning for Real Madrid supporters is the club’s apparent lack of foresight in the transfer market. Madrid have so far opted not to sign a midfielder in this summer transfer window, despite clear warning signs about their midfield depth.
The club has focused their summer recruitment on other areas, signing defenders Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen and Álvaro Carreras, while wide forward Franco Mastantuono will join this week when he turns 18. However, the lack of midfield reinforcements now appears to be a critical oversight.
Current Available Midfield Options for Real Madrid
With Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham sidelined, Xabi Alonso’s midfield options have been reduced to:
| Player | Position | Age | Experience Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federico Valverde | Central/Right Midfield | 26 | High |
| Aurélien Tchouaméni | Defensive Midfield | 25 | High |
| Arda Güler | Attacking Midfield | 19 | Developing |
| Dani Ceballos | Central Midfield | 28 | Moderate |
New coach Xabi Alonso opted to play Arda Güler in a central midfield role alongside Federico Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Bellingham during the Club World Cup, suggesting the Spanish manager is already experimenting with unconventional solutions.
Eduardo Camavinga’s Injury-Plagued Recent History
The French international’s latest setback is part of a troubling pattern that has defined his recent Real Madrid career. His injury history over the past 12 months paints a concerning picture:
Camavinga’s Recent Injury Record
- April 2025: Complete tear of left adductor tendon (ruled out remainder of season)
- November 2024: Left leg muscle injury (3 weeks out)
- August 2024: Knee injury (6-7 weeks out)
- Multiple occasions: Various hamstring and muscle problems
- August 2025: Right ankle sprain (current injury)
Camavinga, 22, has suffered five injuries in the last 12 months, limiting him to 19 appearances in LaLiga last season. This persistent injury pattern raises questions about his physical condition and training methods.
Impact on Real Madrid’s Season Ambitions
Real Madrid enters the 2025-26 season with heightened expectations after a 2024-25 campaign in which they failed to win a major trophy. The midfield crisis threatens to undermine their chances of redemption from the very beginning.
Tactical Implications for Xabi Alonso
The new Real Madrid manager faces immediate challenges in constructing a competitive midfield. Without Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham, Alonso must rely heavily on:
- Federico Valverde: The Uruguayan will need to shoulder increased responsibility as the primary creative force
- Aurélien Tchouaméni: Expected to anchor the midfield and provide defensive stability
- Arda Güler: The young Turk may be thrust into a more prominent role than initially planned
- Academy prospects: Youth players might be called upon earlier than expected
The Broader Context: Real Madrid’s Injury Management Under Scrutiny
Eduardo Camavinga’s recurring injuries raise broader questions about Real Madrid’s medical and training protocols. The frequency of his setbacks suggests potential underlying issues that need urgent attention.
Comparative Analysis: Injury Patterns at Real Madrid
| Season | Key Injuries | Matches Missed | Impact on Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | Multiple muscle injuries | 159 days total | Failed to win major trophy |
| 2025-26 | Ankle sprain (ongoing) | TBD | Season opener in doubt |
The pattern of muscle-related injuries affecting Eduardo Camavinga specifically suggests that Real Madrid’s medical team may need to reassess their approach to his physical preparation and recovery protocols.
Fan Reaction and Club Response
The announcement of Eduardo Camavinga’s latest injury has been met with frustration and concern from Real Madrid supporters, who have watched their team struggle with squad depth issues. Social media reactions have ranged from disappointment to calls for immediate transfer market action.
Real Madrid’s official response has been measured, with the club maintaining their standard “pending evolution” language that provides little clarity on specific timelines or treatment approaches.
Looking Ahead: Real Madrid’s Emergency Options
With time running out before the season opener, Real Madrid may need to explore emergency solutions:
Potential Short-term Solutions
- Youth Academy Integration: Promoting promising midfielders from Castilla
- Positional Flexibility: Using defenders or forwards in midfield roles
- Emergency Transfers: Late window additions if players become available
- Formation Changes: Adapting tactics to work with available personnel
Los Blancos only included three first-team midfielders–Tchouameni, Guler, and Dani Ceballos–in their squad for a friendly against WSG Tirol on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, with academy players Thiago Pitarch and Roberto Martin also in the coating.
The Road to Recovery: Eduardo Camavinga’s Comeback Timeline
For Eduardo Camavinga specifically, the focus must shift to ensuring a complete recovery that prevents future setbacks. The right ankle sprain, while concerning given his history, is considered less severe than some of his previous muscle injuries.
Medical experts suggest that ankle sprains, when properly managed, typically heal within 2-3 weeks for professional athletes. However, given Camavinga’s injury history, Real Madrid’s medical team may opt for a more conservative approach to avoid rushing his return.
A Test of Real Madrid’s Squad Depth and Management
Eduardo Camavinga’s injury represents more than just the loss of a single player—it exposes fundamental issues with Real Madrid’s squad planning and injury management. As Los Blancos prepare for what should be a redemptive season under Xabi Alonso, they must now navigate a midfield crisis that threatens their ambitions from day one.
The coming weeks will test not only the club’s ability to cope with adversity but also Alonso’s tactical acumen in maximizing the potential of his limited midfield options. For Eduardo Camavinga, this latest setback serves as another reminder of the fragility of a professional football career and the importance of proper injury prevention.
Real Madrid’s season may well depend on how quickly and effectively they can address this midfield crisis, whether through tactical innovation, youth development, or emergency transfers. One thing is certain: the pressure is mounting at the Santiago Bernabéu, and time is running out to find solutions.
Read More: €100M Rodrygo Tops Manchester City’s Wish List After High-Profile Departures
FAQs
How long will Eduardo Camavinga be out with his ankle injury?
Eduardo Camavinga is expected to be sidelined for at least 10 days to 2 weeks with his right ankle sprain. This timeline means he will likely miss Real Madrid’s La Liga opener against Osasuna on August 19, 2025. The club has stated his recovery is “pending evolution,” indicating they’re monitoring his progress carefully.
How many injuries has Eduardo Camavinga suffered recently?
Eduardo Camavinga has suffered five injuries in the last 12 months, severely limiting his playing time. These include muscle injuries, knee problems, adductor tears, and now the ankle sprain. This injury pattern restricted him to just 19 LaLiga appearances in the 2024-25 season, raising concerns about his long-term durability.
What is Real Madrid’s current midfield situation with injuries?
Real Madrid faces a severe midfield crisis with both Eduardo Camavinga (ankle sprain) and Jude Bellingham (shoulder surgery recovery until October) unavailable. Combined with Luka Modric’s transfer to AC Milan, manager Xabi Alonso has limited options, relying primarily on Federico Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Arda Güler, and Dani Ceballos.
Why didn’t Real Madrid sign new midfielders in the transfer window?
Despite clear midfield depth issues, Real Madrid opted not to sign any central midfielders during the summer 2025 transfer window. The club focused on signing defenders like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen, plus young forward Franco Mastantuono. This decision now appears to be a critical oversight given the injury crisis.
Will Eduardo Camavinga be ready for Real Madrid’s important early season matches?
Based on current recovery timelines, Eduardo Camavinga will miss Real Madrid’s La Liga opener against Osasuna on August 19. His availability for subsequent crucial matches depends on his recovery progress, but Real Madrid’s medical team may take a conservative approach given his injury history. The club will likely prioritize long-term fitness over rushing his return.
