Antonio Rudiger is fit and available to start for Real Madrid versus Atletico Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday.
Real Madrid will look to exact revenge on Atletico Madrid for the Copa del Rey ouster when the two sides lock horns at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday evening. But Carlo Ancelotti has a new roster issue hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Aurelien Tchouameni will not take on Atletico Madrid on Sunday due to a suspension after picking up a booking earlier this week against Getafe. But there is some good news, as Antonio Rudiger is fit and available in the matchday squad after recovering from a thigh injury.
Meanwhile, Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao, and David Alaba remain on the sidelines due to their respective knee issues. Ancelotti spoke about Rudiger and Tchouameni’s situations during his pre-match press conference. He also discussed how Real Madrid would cope with the potential absence of the duo during set-piece situations.
He said, “He’s [Rudiger] improved a lot in the last few days. I expect the same improvement between today and tomorrow. It’s a muscle strain. He will be in the squad and I will decide tomorrow if he plays or not. The height of the team without them [Rudiger and Tchouameni] drops and we have to make the right decision regarding set-pieces.”
“Camavinga can also play as a centre-back. He brings the ball out very quickly, he is quick and strong in tackles. I also have the options of Mendy and Carvajal. All three options give me confidence and I think they can do very well tomorrow. The centre-back job is the easiest in football because you have to use your head more than your energy.”
Despite Ancelotti’s comments, Rudiger should pair up with Nacho at the heart of the Real Madrid defence. Dani Carvajal should return to the starting lineup, with Ferland Mendy featuring as the left-back. The defensive quartet will protect Andriy Lunin.
As for the midfield unit, Eduardo Camavinga will replace Tchouameni at the base of the diamond. Toni Kroos should also return, with Luka Modric dropping to the bench. Camavinga and Kroos will join Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham in the middle of the park. Finally, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo should be the two strikers, with Joselu being an excellent option on the bench.
Predicted Real Madrid XI: Lunin; Carvajal, Rudiger, Nacho, Mendy; Valverde, Camavinga, Kroos; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius
