Andriy Lunin and Raul Asencio will return to the Real Madrid starting lineup for the Copa del Rey clash with Celta Vigo at the Santiago Bernabeu on Thursday.
Real Madrid will aim to put the setback of the Spanish Super Cup final defeat to Barcelona behind them by returning to winning ways when they host Celta Vigo in the Copa del Rey round of 16 at the Santiago Bernabeu on Thursday evening. And Carlo Ancelotti has no new issues to worry about ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Eduardo Camavinga has been struggling with illness this week. However, the French international is fit and available to take on Celta Vigo on Thursday. Meanwhile, Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao remain on the sidelines due to long-term knee injuries.
In addition, David Alaba has yet to return to the matchday squad and will not take on Celta Vigo this midweek. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Ancelotti discussed how his group has recovered after the trip to Saudi Arabia.
The Real Madrid manager said, “Everyone has recovered well physically, going off what we’ve seen in today’s training session. Things can change, but the plan is to put out the best possible side against Celta. Lunin will play in goal.”
Meanwhile, the Italian tactician also discussed Aurelien Tchouameni’s performances as a centre-back. He said, “I still believe he’s done a fantastic job at centre-back. The data backs me up on that. But I am aware his ideal role is at CDM. As soon as we’re not in dire straits at the back, once we get Alaba back, he’ll return to his favoured position.”
Tchouameni should return to the middle of the park, lining up alongside Federico Valverde in the double pivot. So, Raul Asensio will make a rare start at the heart of the defence, with Antonio Rudiger being his central defensive partner. Ferland Mendy and Lucas Vazquez should be the two full-backs, while Andriy Lunin should replace Thibaut Courtois in the Real Madrid goal.
The offensive quartet should remain unchanged, with Kylian Mbappe spearheading the home side’s attack against Celta Vigo. Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo will continue as the two wide attackers, with Jude Bellingham reprising the no. 10 role.
Predicted Real Madrid XI: Lunin; Vazquez, Asencio, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouameni; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius Junior; Mbappe
