Karim Benzema could make way for Mariano Diaz while Victor Chust is in line to start his first La Liga game when Real Madrid take on Getafe.
Real Madrid will be looking to extend their ongoing unbeaten run when they lock horns with Getafe in a Madrilenian derby in La Liga at Coliseum Alfonso Perez on Sunday night.
Heading into the game, Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has been handed a fresh injury blow as Ferland Mendy has been ruled out of the contest with a leg issue. He joins Sergio Ramos, Lucas Vazquez and Raphael Varane out on the sidelines. Dani Carvajal and Eden Hazard have been back in training, but are still not ready to return to action as indicated by the manager in his pre-match presser.
“We’re being more cautious because both he [Hazard] and Carvajal suffered setbacks. They’re doing better and that’s good news for the team,” Zidane said. The duo has been left out of the travelling squad named by the Frenchman, along with key men Nacho and Casemiro, both of whom are suspended for the contest.
Getafe vs Real Madrid Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats
Thibaut Courtois remains the undisputed starter in goal for Real Madrid. With no Carvajal and Vazquez, Alvaro Odriozola becomes the obvious pick at right-back while Marcelo should also get a rare start at left-back in the injury-enforced absence of Mendy. With Ramos, Nacho and Varane unavailable, the onus of leading the defence will be on Eder Militao.
The Brazilian has done very well in recent games and was praised by Zidane for his performances. “He’s committed and has performed well in recent weeks. All of the players want more game time and have seen that he’s ready and he’s done well,” the Real Madrid boss said. Militao should start at the heart of the defence and will have the young Victor Chust as his partner, who will be making his first-ever start in La Liga.
With Casemiro ruled out of the contest, Federico Valverde becomes the automatic selection in the defensive midfield role for Real Madrid against Getafe. On either side of him, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are expected to hold on to their places on Sunday, although Isco is also an option at the manager’s disposal.
In attack, Marco Asensio and Vinicius Junior, both of whom have been in good nick of late, should slot in as the wide players. Zidane could be set to make a huge call in the centre-forward position with Karim Benzema likely to be given some time off after he was on the receiving end of a horrendous tackle by James Milner in midweek. Mariano Diaz should step into the lineup, with Benzema likely to be an option from the bench.
Real Madrid Predicted XI: Courtois; Odriozola, Militao, Chust, Marcelo; Modric, Valverde, Kroos; Asensio, Mariano, Vinicius
