Team news revealed for Real Madrid’s round of 32 tie in the Copa del Rey against Segunda B division side Cultural Leonesa, which takes places on Wednesday
Going into Wednesday’s game against the minnows on back of a 24-match unbeaten run stretching from as early as April, Zidane has decided to give some much-needed rest to the players.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who’s suffering from a slump in form having scored only twice in his last 7 matches, will be afforded a full rest and thus won’t be travelling with the team on Wednesday.
Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale, Marcelo and Keylor Navas are among others to be rested, as all four of them aren’t included in the travelling squad for the first leg of the Copa del Rey tie.
In terms of inclusions, Fabio Coentrao makes a comeback from his mysterious injury absence and could be in contention to start the game. Lucas Vazquez and Marco Asensio have been on the fringes of the first-team and could play substantial minutes against Cultural Leonesa, with the former expected to feature in the playing XI.
Forward Mariano Díaz, who made his Real Madrid debut back in August, is also included in the squad and could make it to the bench.
Sergio Ramos (Knee), Luka Modric (Knee) and Casemiro (Fibula fracture) continue to nurse injuries, which rules them out for the match though Modric is expected to be fit for the game against Deportivo at the weekend after returning to individual training.
The 16-man squad for Real Madrid’s trip to Cultural Leonesa on Wednesday evening –
Goalkeepers: Kiko Casilla and Rubén Yáñez.
Defenders: Pepe, Raphael Varane, Nacho Fernandez, Daniel Carvajal, Fabio Coentrão and Danilo.
Midfielders: Toni Kroos, James Rodriguez, Mateo Kovacic, Marco Asensio and Isco.
Forwards: Lucas Vázquez, Mariano Diaz and Alvaro Morata.