Casemiro ready to replace Llorente in the starting lineup

Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro has now been training with the squad for the last few weeks and will return to the startling lineup when Los Blancos visit Villarreal this Thursday, as Marcos Llorente will need to miss that game with a groin injury.

Casemiro was the undisputed starter until he got injured and then Marcos Llorente took advantage of his opportunity to deliver. It’s true that Solari was probably just waiting until Casemiro was 100% ready to start before dropping Llorente, but now the Argentinian coach will be forced to do so.

Real Madrid have been needing that presence from Casemiro or Llorente so that Kroos and Modric play with more freedom. Ceballos was given the chance during Solari’s first games but he performs better in a more attacking role, meaning that both Casemiro and Llorente will be competing for the starting spot during the rest of the 2018-2019 season.