Carlo Ancelotti offered a positive update amid the doom and gloom of Real Madrid’s current injury crisis, revealing Rodrygo would be available for Sunday’s league meeting with Getafe.
The Italian coach has come under pressure. Madrid were brushed aside by Liverpool at Anfield in midweek, leaving their chances of automatically qualifying for the Champions League round of 16 in tatters. The defending Spanish and European champions also trail Barcelona in La Liga, prompting reports of crisis talks with president Florentino Perez.
A glut of injuries to key individuals has not helped Ancelotti. Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal will be out for the remainder of the campaign, while star forward Vinicius Junior could be sidelined until 2025.
Ahead of a visit from nearby Getafe on Sunday afternoon, Ancelotti provided a rare burst of good news. “Rodrygo will be back tomorrow,” the manager told reporters. “[Aurelien] Tchouameni will be back next game and [Eduardo] Camavinga will be back soon.”
Rodrygo has been a significant miss over the past few weeks. The versatile Brazilian forward pulled up with a hamstring problem before October’s Clasico thrashing. After rushing back to start against Osasuna last month, Rodrygo only lasted 20 minutes before limping off the pitch with tears streaming down his face.
Tchouameni has not appeared in any capacity since October. The Frenchman’s absence with a sprained ankle has robbed Ancelotti of an option in two positions, as the defensive midfielder can also fill in at centre-back. Tchouameni’s similarly flexible compatriot Eduardo Camavinga was forced off in this week’s loss to Liverpool. Initial reports suggest that the midfielder will be out for around three weeks, which could align with Ancelotti’s vague return date.
This injury crisis – and the awkward adaptation of summer arrival Kylian Mbappe – has hampered Madrid’s season, but their manager remains optimistic. “I’m not thrilled, but I’m not overly concerned,” Ancelotti admitted.
“Not happy about things, but I’m just the right amount of worried. I’m convinced we’re going to work it out, as ever.”