Isco is in line to make another start while Rodrygo Goes and Federico Valverde are back in contention as Real Madrid gear up to take on Real Sociedad in La Liga.
Real Madrid will be aiming to keep up the pace with arch-rivals and current La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid when they lock horns with Real Sociedad at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano on Monday night.
Ahead of the game, Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has been handed some good news on the injury front as Federico Valverde, Marcelo, Alvaro Odriozola and Rodrygo Goes are all back to fitness and in the 21-man squad named for the match. However, Karim Benzema, Eden Hazard, Sergio Ramos, Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao remain unavailable.
Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats
“Marcelo, Valverde, Ordiozola and Rodrygo are available because they’re back training normally. It’s wonderful for a coach and that’s what we want, to have all our players available and ready to play. Benzema and Hazard are improving but they’re still not ready to play. I hope to have them back soon but I can’t give you an exact date,” Zidane said in his pre-match presser.
In spite of the injury boost, Zidane is unlikely to make any changes to the side that defeated Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League last week. There is no looking past the brilliant Thibaut Courtois in goal while Raphael Varane and Nacho ought to continue at the heart of the defence after a series of impressive performances.
Ferland Mendy, who was the match-winner for Real Madrid against Atalanta, should feature again at left-back ahead of the fit-again Marcelo while Lucas Vazquez is also likely to be retained over Odriozola at right-back given his recent performances.
Moving to midfield, Valverde’s return does provide Zidane with the option of resting one of his key men in Toni Kroos, Casemiro and Luka Modric. However, given the importance of the game and the lack of quality in the final third, the trio is likely to feature from the get-go once again on Monday night.
As for the attack, Vinicius Junior and Marco Asensio are in line for one more opportunity to prove their worth. With Rodrygo back and Hazard close to returning, they will need to make the most of their chance against Real Sociedad. Isco, who was a bright spark against Atalanta last week, should operate as the false-nine for Real Madrid once again.
Real Madrid Predicted XI: Courtois; Vazquez, Varane, Nacho, Mendy; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Asensio, Isco, Vinicius Junior.
