Real Madrid Dealt Eduardo Camavinga Setback as French Star Return Delayed with Eye on Champions League Opener Against Marseille

Eduardo Camavinga’s Injury Setback and Real Madrid’s Growing Concerns

Injuries are part of football, but when they keep happening to the same player, fans and clubs alike start to worry. That’s exactly the case with Eduardo Camavinga, Real Madrid’s French star, who has once again been sidelined with an ankle issue.

Madrid had originally hoped he’d be back in action this weekend against Real Sociedad at the Anoeta. Supporters were eagerly waiting to see him finally get minutes under new head coach Xabi Alonso. But now, reports from AS suggest the midfielder won’t make it in time, with the club instead targeting a return for their Champions League opener against Marseille on September 16.

It’s a blow for Los Blancos, even if the squad has enough depth to cover his absence for one more league fixture.

What Happened to Eduardo Camavinga?

Camavinga’s troubles began in August, just before the start of the La Liga season. He suffered an ankle injury during training, a frustrating moment for both him and the coaching staff. At first, the injury didn’t appear too severe, and there was optimism that he could make a quick recovery.

But as the weeks have rolled on, Madrid have chosen to err on the side of caution. With his fitness history, the last thing they want is to rush him back only to lose him for an even longer period. For now, he remains unavailable, missing yet another key clash in La Liga.

Real Madrid C.F. Training Session And Press Conference – UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg

The Bigger Picture: Injury Concerns Mount for Real Madrid

While Madrid are top of the table after three straight wins, there’s no denying that Camavinga’s injury-prone reputation is becoming a talking point.

Last season, the midfielder managed just 35 appearances across all competitions, missing an astonishing 33 games due to four separate injuries. That’s nearly half a campaign wiped out, and now he’s already missed the first three games of the 2025-26 season.

Even more concerning, he has yet to play a single competitive minute under Alonso. For a player once billed as the future of Madrid’s midfield, this stuttering start under the new regime is far from ideal.

Did You Know? Eduardo Camavinga’s Injury Record at Madrid

• Joined Real Madrid from Rennes in 2021 for €31 million.

• Missed 33 matches in the 2024-25 campaign.

• Has already sat out three league games this season.

• Yet to feature under new manager Xabi Alonso.

• At just 22 years old, has already had eight separate injuries since arriving at the Bernabéu.

This record might surprise some, especially considering Camavinga’s youthful energy and athleticism when he first burst onto the scene in Ligue 1. But Madrid fans are learning the hard way: availability can sometimes be more valuable than raw talent.

Real Madrid’s Approach: No Risks Ahead of Marseille

For Alonso and his medical staff, the Marseille fixture is the real target. The Champions League opener is the kind of stage where Camavinga’s dynamism and versatility could make the difference.

Madrid know that Marseille will come to the Bernabéu hungry to prove themselves, and Alonso wants as many of his big guns fit as possible. If resting Camavinga against Real Sociedad means having him fully ready for Europe, it’s a sacrifice worth making.

What This Means for Xabi Alonso’s Midfield

One of Madrid’s greatest strengths is their midfield depth. Even without Camavinga, Alonso has Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham, and Aurelien Tchouameni to call upon.

But the absence of Camavinga still matters. His versatility—being able to play as a deep-lying midfielder, a box-to-box runner, or even as a left-back in emergencies—makes him unique in this squad. He brings energy, defensive bite, and transition play that no one else quite replicates.

Without him, Madrid might lack a bit of dynamism, especially against faster, more aggressive opposition like Real Sociedad.

Fans’ Reactions: Patience Running Thin

Madridistas are famously demanding, and patience isn’t always their strong suit. On social media, frustration is building. Many are starting to question whether Camavinga can ever stay fit enough to fulfil his potential.

Some fans compare him to past players like Arjen Robben, who struggled with injuries but eventually thrived. Others fear he could go the way of Jack Wilshere, a talent ruined by fitness issues.

The truth probably lies somewhere in between. Camavinga is still only 22, and Madrid’s medical team is world-class. But another long absence could start to test even the most loyal supporters’ faith.

Real Madrid Leading the Pack Despite Setbacks

For all the noise around injuries, the on-field reality is positive: Madrid sit top of La Liga with nine points from three games. Only Athletic Club can match that record so far.

Alonso’s side have shown resilience, mixing moments of attacking brilliance with a growing defensive solidity. The coach has already impressed many fans, but he knows that consistency will be tested as injuries pile up and the calendar becomes more congested.

What’s Next for Eduardo Camavinga and Real Madrid?

Real Madrid CF v RCD Mallorca – LaLiga EA Sports

The immediate focus is recovery. Camavinga will undergo further assessments in the coming days, but the plan is clear: no risks, no shortcuts. If all goes well, he’ll be in the squad for the Marseille clash, potentially making his season debut on Europe’s biggest stage.

For Madrid, the goal is to maintain their perfect start in La Liga by beating Real Sociedad this weekend. It won’t be easy, but with or without Camavinga, Alonso’s squad has the tools to get the job done.

Conclusion: Real Madrid Dealt Eduardo Camavinga Setback but Eyes on Marseille

The news that Real Madrid have been dealt an Eduardo Camavinga setback is frustrating but not catastrophic. The French star’s delayed return means fans will have to wait a little longer, but the club’s cautious approach suggests they are thinking long-term.

After all, Madrid aren’t building for September—they’re building for May, when trophies are decided. And to get there, they’ll need Camavinga fit, firing, and finally free from the injury cycle that has haunted him so far.

For now, the Champions League opener against Marseille is circled on the calendar. That’s when the Bernabéu faithful will hope to see their young star finally step onto the pitch under Alonso and remind everyone why he was once hailed as one of Europe’s brightest prospects.