Mourinho Weighs Shock Call vs Villarreal: Vinícius and Mbappé on the Bench?
Just days before LaLiga returns from the international break, Real Madrid’s coach is weighing a decision that could spark plenty of debate inside the Santiago Bernabéu, and it involves two of the biggest stars in the squad.
The idea on the Portuguese coach’s mind has nothing to do with punishment or a dressing-room rift, but it could mean fans will not see the team’s most dangerous duo in the starting line-up for a tough fixture this weekend.
According to Spanish outlet Defensa Central, José Mourinho is considering starting both Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé on the bench against Villarreal on Saturday, October 10, at the Santiago Bernabéu in LaLiga.
For Vinícius, the main reason is fatigue. The Brazilian played in all three of Brazil’s friendlies during the international break in Australia and India, with long journeys in between, and he has also struggled to show his best level since the start of the season.
Mbappé, meanwhile, picked up a left knee problem during France’s match against Turkey. Tests showed a hyperextension of the posterior capsule of the knee, a minor injury to the same knee he hurt last season, and the French star has started an individual recovery programme at Valdebebas.
According to AS and El Chiringuito, Mbappé missed Monday’s team session after arriving in Madrid at 11:16 a.m., around 45 minutes after training began at 10:30, although he is still expected to be available for the Villarreal game.
Mbappé had already sparked debate during the international break by posting an Instagram video of himself riding a bicycle, days after Mourinho had warned about the risks of that activity for professional footballers.
The report stresses that Mourinho’s plan is not a disciplinary measure but a calculated effort to manage the physical load of both forwards before a demanding run of fixtures that includes Roma, Sevilla and RB Leipzig, leading up to El Clásico against Barcelona on October 25.
If the Portuguese coach does decide to rotate, his alternatives include Brahim Díaz, Arda Güler, Yan Diomande, Carlos Espí and Endrick.
Real Madrid go into the Villarreal game six points behind LaLiga leaders Barcelona, which makes any further slip very costly in the title race.
