Ancelotti talks Carvajal, Vinicius, Valverde, Camavinga, Modric after Real Madrid 2-0 Villarreal | OneFootball

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti addressed the media following his team’s victory against Villarreal, where he provided updates on two key players, Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Jr.

Carvajal’s situation, in particular, has raised concerns. Ancelotti confirmed that the Spanish defender has sustained a knee injury that seems “quite serious.”

However, the coach was cautious in revealing further details, stressing that they must wait for the medical evaluation to fully assess the extent of the injury.

“We’ll wait for the medical evaluation. The doctor has said that he has a knee injury but we have to wait for tests. Hopefully, it will be as minor as possible,” said the manager as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

The initial reports, though, point towards a serious ACL injury, which could potentially end Carvajal’s season early.

He said that The Real Madrid dressing room is understandably shaken by the news, as Carvajal is a crucial player in the squad. His experience and professionalism have made him a cornerstone in Ancelotti’s plans, and his absence will be felt deeply.

“The dressing room is sad and worried, just like Dani. He is a very, very important player for us, fundamental to his experience, seriousness, and professionalism. We will wait,” he added.

Vinicius Jr. is injured too

Vincius Jr. has an injured neck. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

The manager also gave an update on Vinicius Jr., who sustained a neck injury after a bad fall in the second half of the match.

Vinicius was forced to ask for a substitution due to severe pain, and like Carvajal, he will undergo medical tests to determine the severity of the injury. Ancelotti remarked that Vinicius’ neck is “completely blocked,” adding to the team’s concerns.

“Vinicius has a problem with his neck and is completely blocked, he is in a lot of pain and will also be tested tomorrow.”

Despite these setbacks, Ancelotti expressed satisfaction with how his team managed the game. He praised their discipline and focus, especially after taking the lead.

“We played with order and attitude, without too much intensity. From the 1-0 we managed the game well, defending compactly. It could have been a tricky game and we got through it correctly,” noted the manager.

On Camavinga and Valverde

Eduardo Camavinga played as a pivot. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

In terms of tactics, Ancelotti discussed Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde’s roles in the midfield. Camavinga, who played as part of a double pivot with Valverde, is still regaining fitness after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

After 70 minutes, Camavinga asked to be substituted due to fatigue. Ancelotti acknowledged the importance of Camavinga’s role but noted that he is not yet at full match sharpness.

“Today we played a double pivot with Federico [Valverde]. [Camavinga] is lacking a bit of fitness because he has been out for more than a month and is not at his best.

“After 70 minutes he was tired and asked me to change him. It is important for us.”

Federico Valverde scored the opening goal for Real Madrid. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Valverde, on the other hand, continues to impress. He scored a crucial goal, the result of a planned strategic play, and his versatility and intelligence make him a valuable asset in various positions on the pitch.

“We talked about it this morning and it helps us to take advantage of shots from the front. These are resources that we have.

“There are players with good shots: Vinicius, and Valverde. And it has worked out well for us.

“Valverde has many qualities: he is fast, strong, intelligent… On the field, wherever I put him, he always does his job,” said Ancelotti.

Modric and injuries

Regarding Luka Modric, Ancelotti reiterated the Croatian’s importance to the team, especially in the years he has worked with him. Modric remains a vital figure, regardless of how many minutes he plays, contributing both on and off the pitch.

“In the years that I have coached him, he has been fundamental for the team. Whatever the minutes.

Carlo Ancelotti says Carvajal’s injury should motivate the rest of the team. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Ancelotti concluded by reflecting on how injuries like Carvajal’s impact the entire team, but he urged the squad to use these challenges as motivation, much like they did last season.

“When something like Dani’s happens, it affects all the players and the entire team, but we have to react.

“We have to do it again, so that all these injuries are a great motivation for the rest of the squad, as they were last year,” said the Italian.

The team will now need to regroup and find ways to cope with the potential long-term absence of key players.