Real Madrid defender Nacho could start at right-back in place of the injured Dani Carvajal.
Los Blancos travel to the Vicente Calderon for the last time, with a three-goal advantage from their exploits at home a week ago. Cristiano Ronaldo’s hat-trick all but sealed the deal for Real Madrid, as they look to make it into their second final in as many seasons.
Standing in their way will be an Atletico Madrid side that will look to go all guns blazing from kick-off, to spoil the party of their local rivals. However, they will be bereft of a number of key figures at the back.
Two first-team players in Juanfran and Jose Gimenez are ruled out through injury. The former strained his hamstring in mid February, and has been missing in action ever since for Los Rojiblancos.
Gimenez, on the other hand, is out due to an adductor injury he picked up during Atletico’s 5-0 win over Las Palmas. He is started to show signs of a quick recovery, but the second leg has come has come a tad soon for him. Sime Vrsaljko and Augusto Fernandez will also miss out.
Real Madrid will see defender Pepe sit this one out through injury. He broke his ribs in the 1-1 La Liga draw against Atletico Madrid, and has not traveled with the team for the second leg at the Calderon.
Los Blancos were already fretting over an injury to Gareth Bale, and have now lost Dani Carvajal through a hamstring concern. He played in the first leg, but picked up an injury shortly after, and is expected to miss the remainder of the season.
In his stead, Spanish centre-back Nacho is likely to step up and play in an unaccustomed right-back position. He may not be as prolific going forward, but is good while defending one on one situations, and will raring to prove a point to manager Zidane.
Speaking to the press about Nacho, the Frenchman said:
“Nacho is a centre back but he can play in any position in the defence and he’s done phenomenally well. Pepe is fine, we’ll see what the squad is, and Varane has also trained without any problems. We’re all ready except the players you know about.”
Real did announce their 19-man squad, and Pepe failed to make the cut due to his lack of match sharpness. Alvaro Morata and Lucas Vazquez have also been included, but are unlikely to start as Karim Benzema is expected to be given the nod by Zidane.
