Marco Asensio will return, but Toni Kroos and Vinicius Jr. will be unavailable for the game between Real Madrid and Cadiz on Saturday.
Real Madrid will aim to return to winning ways in La Liga when they lock horns with Cadiz at Estadio Nuevo Mirandilla on Saturday night. And Carlo Ancelotti is missing a few players ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Ferland Mendy remains on the sidelines due to a muscle injury. In addition, Toni Kroos and Vinicius Junior are missing from the travelling squad this weekend. And it appears the two players have minor injuries this weekend. Another topic of conversation was managing Karim Benzema’s minutes.
Ancelotti revealed the issues plaguing Kroos and Vinicius Junior during his pre-match press conference. The Italian tactician also addressed questions on Eden Hazard but failed to reveal if the Belgian attacker would start.
Ancelotti said, “Vini Jr. had a bit of a strain at the end of the Chelsea game but there is no injury according to the scans. It’s a slight strain, the same goes for Kroos. It would be too greater risk to include them.”
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“We have to recover well for tomorrow’s match. We have some players battling fatigue but they’ll travel and be involved. We’ll put out a competitive team tomorrow. Kroos and Vinicius will be okay for Chelsea. I don’t know whether he’ll start but he’s in good shape and he might well get a chance to play.”
On Benzema, Ancelotti added, “We’re not thinking about Benzema being the Pichichi. All we’re concerned with is that Karim is in good shape. We manage his minutes when we see he’s fatigued. His recovery from Wednesday’s efforts has been among the best in the squad. He’s feeling good, positive and motivated. When we notice he’s tired we’ll give him a rest but it won’t be tomorrow.”
Despite Ancelotti’s comments, Benzema will be on the bench this weekend, with Rodrygo Goes spearheading the attack. But the Real Madrid captain might make an appearance off the bench. Eden Hazard should also start, taking his spot on the left flank. Meanwhile, Marco Asensio will feature on the right wing.
As for the midfield unit, Ancelotti will rotate his troops. And Aurelien Tchouameni and Dani Ceballos should replace Kroos and Luka Modric. Meanwhile, Eduardo Camavinga should come into the midfield, with Federico Valverde getting some rest.
Finally, the defensive unit will see a few shuffles. David Alaba might be the only player retaining his spot, with Antonio Rudiger replacing Eder Militao. Dani Carvajal and Nacho should be the two full-backs. But there is no looking past Thibaut Courtois between the sticks.
Predicted Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Vazquez, Rudiger, Alaba, Nacho; Camavinga, Tchouameni, Ceballos; Asensio, Rodrygo, Hazard
