Eduardo Camavinga, key midfielder for Real Madrid and the French national team, will miss the rest of the season due to a serious adductor tendon injury.
French international midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, a key figure at Real Madrid, has been ruled out for the remainder of the season as well as the inaugural edition of the revamped FIFA Club World Cup due to a serious injury.
The Spanish giants confirmed the unfortunate news on Thursday, casting a shadow over both their domestic and international ambitions for the months ahead.
The 22-year-old sustained the injury during Real Madrid's narrow 1-0 victory over Getafe on Wednesday, a match that had otherwise been viewed as a vital step in their efforts to close the gap at the top of La Liga. Camavinga, known for his dynamic presence in midfield and versatility, was visibly in discomfort before being substituted early in the second half. Following immediate medical evaluations, the club announced that he had suffered a "complete rupture of the left adductor tendon," an injury that typically requires an extended period of rehabilitation.
Medical experts consulted by Spanish media estimate a minimum recovery time of three months, effectively ending Camavinga’s participation in all competitions until at least mid-summer. This timeline not only sidelines him from critical fixtures but also jeopardizes his preseason preparations for the 2025/26 campaign.
Camavinga’s absence is a significant blow for Real Madrid, who are currently navigating a competitive domestic season, trailing their traditional rivals in the battle for the La Liga title. His unavailability rules him out of Saturday’s high-stakes final of the Copa del Rey against Barcelona a match that could define the season for both clubs. Additionally, he will miss the last five fixtures of the league season, where Real Madrid is still mathematically in contention for silverware.
Beyond domestic concerns, Real Madrid will also feel the impact on the global stage. The newly formatted Club World Cup, set to be held in the United States starting June 14, was an event the club was highly anticipating, aiming to reinforce their status as one of the dominant forces in world football. With teams like Benfica and FC Porto representing Europe alongside Real Madrid, the competition promised to be a showcase of elite talent. Camavinga’s leadership and energy will be sorely missed in what would have been his first participation in such a global tournament.
The ramifications extend to the French national team as well. Camavinga will be unavailable for the UEFA Nations League Final Four, scheduled for June 4 and 8 in Germany. France is set to face Spain in the semi-finals, with the winner meeting either Portugal or host nation Germany in the final. His absence deprives Les Bleus of a player who has increasingly become a fixture in Didier Deschamps' plans, offering a blend of technical skill and tactical intelligence in midfield.
This injury marks another chapter in a challenging season for Camavinga, who had already struggled with fitness issues earlier in the campaign. He missed the start of the 2024/25 season due to a previous injury, making his first appearance only in October. Despite these setbacks, he managed to contribute significantly, accumulating 35 appearances, scoring two goals, and providing two assists across all competitions. His performances have drawn praise for their maturity and consistency, especially considering his young age.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, speaking in the aftermath of the diagnosis, expressed his disappointment but also his support for the player. "Eduardo is a vital part of our project, and while this is a setback, we know he will return stronger. Our medical team will provide him with all the support needed during his recovery," Ancelotti stated. The club is now likely to rely more heavily on other midfield options, such as Toni Kroos, Federico Valverde, and Aurélien Tchouaméni, to fill the void left by Camavinga.
The injury also raises questions about squad depth and the physical demands placed on players competing at the highest levels of club and international football. Real Madrid’s medical staff will be under pressure to ensure no further injuries derail their end-of-season objectives.
As for Camavinga, the focus shifts to recovery and rehabilitation. With his talent and determination, many believe he will overcome this challenge and return to action ready to reclaim his place as one of Europe’s brightest midfield talents. The road ahead will be tough, but for a player who has already achieved so much at such a young age, this is another hurdle he seems well-equipped to face.
