Aurelien Tchouameni and David Alaba will return, but Luka Modric will not start for Real Madrid against Barcelona on Saturday.
Real Madrid will look to remain perched atop La Liga when they lock horns with Barcelona at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Saturday. And Carlo Ancelotti does not have any new issues hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao, and Dani Ceballos remain on the sidelines. Meanwhile, Arda Guler has resumed training but is not fit enough to be part of the travelling squad. Otherwise, Ancelotti has picked a strong group to take to Catalonia this weekend.
Meanwhile, there were concerns surrounding Jude Bellingham after he picked up a knock in the UEFA Champions League clash with SC Braga. But Ancelotti dispelled doubts about the English international’s availability for El Clasico during his pre-match press conference.
He said, “He’s fine, fully recovered, he’ll play tomorrow. He did a recuperation session yesterday and they’ve dealt with the strain. Professionals watch every game and he is well aware of what the Clásico is about. It’s a fixture watched by everyone, it’s one of the biggest games there is.”
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“I haven’t seen what Barcelona did in training today. For us, the important thing is that Bellingham will be playing and I’m just focused on putting out the best possible line-up. We have to try and do our best tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, the choice of left-back was an important point of discussion, and Ancelotti said, “Camavinga has done a good job. Mendy has an advantage because he rested for the Champions League clash. Camavinga’s ideal position is in defensive midfield because that’s where he can really express his talent.”
“He does well inside and at full-back too. have faith in all of them, often it’s unlikely for a player to start and finish the game. I know whoever doesn’t start will still have a lot to contribute to the game. Everyone understands that. I don’t tend to explain my decisions but the players are so professional, they don’t ask for explanations if they don’t play.”
Despite Eduardo Camavinga’s ability to play as a left-back, he will feature in the midfield unit. So, Ferland Mendy will start on the left flank, joining David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger, and Dani Carvajal in the defensive unit. The quartet will cover Kepa Arrizabalaga between the sticks.
As for the midfield unit, Camavinga will join Aurelien Tchouameni, Bellingham, and Federico Valverde in the middle of the park. So, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos will find themselves on the bench despite their experience possibly being crucial in a clash as big as El Clasico. Finally, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes should be the two strikers against Barcelona.
Predicted Real Madrid XI: Kepa; Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius
