Eduardo Camavinga could make a stunning comeback for Real Madrid’s FIFA Club World Cup campaign after his recovery from a serious adductor injury surpassed all expectations. The French midfielder’s potential return would provide a significant boost to Xabi Alonso’s squad just days before their tournament opener.
Recovery timeline beats medical predictions
Camavinga’s journey back to fitness has taken a remarkable turn since suffering a complete rupture of his left adductor tendon during Real Madrid’s La Liga clash with Getafe last April. The severity of the injury initially pointed to a season-ending blow that would rule him out of both the remainder of the 2024/25 campaign and the prestigious Club World Cup scheduled in the United States.
Medical staff at Real Madrid chose not to specify an exact return date, though early assessments painted a bleak picture for any comeback before next season.
The latest developments tell a completely different story. Sources within the club now place Camavinga’s chances of making the Club World Cup roster at an even 50-50, a dramatic shift from the initial prognosis.
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His rehabilitation progress has exceeded expectations to such an extent that Xabi Alonso faces a genuine dilemma with the squad submission deadline looming on June 10. The manager appears willing to wait until the last possible moment before making his final call on the 21-year-old’s inclusion.
Squad selection challenges mount for Alonso
Real Madrid’s medical room remains crowded with crucial players nursing injuries at the worst possible time. The defensive line has been particularly decimated, with Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy, and David Alaba all currently unavailable for selection.
Additional concerns surround Dani Carvajal and Brahim Diaz, whose fitness remains uncertain ahead of the tournament. On a more positive note, both Rodrygo and Endrick should be ready for action when Real Madrid kicks off their campaign.
The tournament schedule gives Real Madrid their first test on June 18 against Al Hilal, before facing Pachuca four days later on June 22. Their group stage concludes with a match against RB Salzburg on June 26.
New arrivals Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold stand ready to make their competitive debuts for Los Blancos during the expanded tournament format. The ongoing international break has complicated Alonso’s preparations, leaving him anxiously awaiting fitness updates on multiple fronts.
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Questions linger over Camavinga’s long-term future
This campaign has proven particularly frustrating for Camavinga, who has battled both fitness issues and difficulties finding consistent form when available. His versatility, once considered a major asset, hasn’t translated into the commanding performances Real Madrid expected following Toni Kroos’s departure and with Luka Modric approaching the twilight of his career.
These struggles have coincided with a significant depreciation in his transfer value, dropping from €100 million to approximately €70 million.
