Real Madrid's midfield logjam

With Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga back in the squad, the Real Madrid manager now has a full complement of midfielders at his disposal. The onus is on him to decide how to use them and, if possible, keep everyone happy.

Bellingham has been sidelined since the Club World Cup, after opting for shoulder surgery. Camavinga, meanwhile, has been out of action since April with a serious muscle tear. It goes without saying that, barring a major surprise, neither will be in the starting XI against Olympique Marseille in the Champions League on Tuesday. That leaves Valverde, Tchouameni, Arda Guler and Ceballos to battle it out for the usual three midfield slots. 

It also seems clear that the first three will be the starters against the French side. So far, Tchouameni has played every minute (360). Guler has clocked up 323 minutes, Valverde 315, and Ceballos 90. However, the situation will change once the absentees regain match fitness. Then, with six top-quality candidates, each with different attributes, Xabi Alonso will have to piece together the puzzle to accommodate them all. 

Furthermore, the attack could also be affected, where, even without Endrick, rotations have been common among the three forwards. While Mbappe and Vinicius are more established, Gonzalo Garcia, Rodrygo, Brahim and Mastantuono have also had their chances. But that could change, especially with Bellingham's return as an attacking midfielder rather than a central midfielder. A change in tactical formation would be required, but that doesn't seem to faze the Basque coach too much. 

In any case, it's the kind of problem managers relish, but one he won't have to address for a few days yet. In the meantime, all indications suggest that, against Olympique Marseille, he will continue to rely on the formula that has allowed him to lead La Liga on his own with four wins from as many matches.  In the treatment room, meanwhile, Endrick remains, along with Mendy and Rudiger. 

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