Sergio Ramos and Ferland Mendy are ruled out with injuries while Eden Hazard should make way for Marco Asensio when Real Madrid take on Sevilla in La Liga.
Real Madrid will be aiming to move to the top of the La Liga table when they face off against Sevilla at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano iin Matchweek 34 of La Liga on Sunday night.
Heading into the game, Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has been handed a couple of fresh injury blows as captain Sergio Ramos has been ruled out just one game after returning from his two-month layoff while Ferland Mendy also misses out. The duo join Lucas Vazquez, Dani Carvajal and Raphael Varane out on the sidelines ahead of this crucial encounter.
Providing an update on the situation of Ramos during his pre-match presser, Zidane said, “The only concern is tomorrow’s game. Sergio Ramos felt a recurrence of his injury and the important thing is to have him recover as soon as possible. He played the other day because he was 100% fit, it’s flared back up again and we don’t want to take the risk.”
Real Madrid vs Sevilla Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats
With Ramos and Varane unavailable for selection, Zidane is expected to revert to a 4-3-3 setup for Sunday’s contest, with Eder Militao and Nacho forming the centre-back partnership. In the absence of Mendy, Marcelo becomes the automatic pick at left-back, although the Brazilian will need to up his game big time after some of his recent displays.
Given that Zidane does not trust Alvaro Odriozola enough, Federico Valverde, who has played a couple of matches at right-back, could get the nod due to his athleticism and work-rate. Thibaut Courtois is the undisputed starter between the sticks for the reigning Spanish champions.
The midfield trifecta of Casemiro, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos picks itself, given the importance of the game. Although, there could be the possibility that Zidane opts to use Casemiro in defence, shunting out Nacho at left-back in place of Marcelo, which would open up a spot for youngster Antonio Blanco in the middle of the park, following his impressive displays against Osasuna and Cadiz.
Moving into the attacking third, Rodryo Goes, Vinicius Junior, Marco Asensio and Eden Hazard will be vying for the two spots out on the flanks. Hazard has been in the news a lot, with Real Madrid unhappy with his behaviour following the team’s elimination from the Champions League, as he was spotted laughing with some Chelsea players.
Zidane was quizzed about it during his press conference, to which he said, “He’s apologised about the other day. He didn’t intend to cause any problems. He’s a Real Madrid player and he will compete for Real Madrid.” Controversy aside, the Belgian was a dud in the midweek clash, and should make way for Asensio in the lineup.
The Spaniard, though, ought to slot in on the right flank while Vinicius gets the nod on the left, with Karim Benzema spearheading the Real Madrid attack against Sevilla.
Real Madrid Predicted XI: Courtois; Valverde, Militao, Nacho, Marcelo; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Asensio, Benzema, Vinicius Jr.
