Vinicius Junior is certain to start while Marco Asensio and Eduardo Camavinga could come into the side when Real Madrid take on Osasuna in La Liga.
Real Madrid will be aiming to move to the top of the 2021/22 La Liga standings when they lock horns with Jagoba Arrasate’s Osasuna side at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night.
Heading into the game, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has had to deal with a new injury issue as Federico Valverde misses out for the home team with an ankle sprain. Gareth Bale and Dani Ceballos are the other absentees for Los Blancos. Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Ancelotti hinted at the possibility of rotating his troops for the midweek clash.
Real Madrid vs CA Osasuna Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats
“You rotate your team for a number of different reasons: fatigue, to try and motivate the players who are keen to play, based on a strategy, etc. That’s something that I’ll look at after our training session,” the Real Madrid manager said.
No alterations are expected in defence, though, with Thibaut Courtois manning the Real Madrid goal shielded by a backline of Lucas Vazquez, Eder Militao, David Alaba and Ferland Mendy. Dani Carvajal, who has returned from his spell on the sidelines, may get some minutes off the bench depending on the situation of the game.
The midfield department, however, is set for a revamp. Veteran star Luka Modric has started each of the Merengues’ last two games and needs a rest. The Croatian international ought to be replaced by Marco Asensio, who has been used in the right-sided central midfield role on occasions this season.
Casemiro, too, could be given a breather by manager Ancelotti, with summer signing Eduardo Camavinga expected to step into the starting XI at the expense of the Brazilian. Toni Kroos, however, should hold on to his spot in the middle of the park.
Vinicius Junior has been one of Real Madrid’s standout players this season, and Ancelotti praised the Brazilian in his pre-match presser, saying, “I like him to try things and the fact that he plays at such high intensity. That speaks volumes of his quality, but he works really hard and plays at high intensity when on the ball. He’s gracious, likes to work hard and so far he’s doing just fine.”
The 21-year-old Brazilian forward is nailed-on to feature on the left-wing on current form. The same holds for star striker Karim Benzema, who has started the new season like a house on fire. Meanwhile, Rodrygo Goes should also hold on to his spot in the lineup on the right flank, meaning Eden Hazard is likely to miss out yet again.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup: Courtois, Vazquez, Militao, Alaba, Mendy, Asensio, Camavinga, Kroos, Rodrygo, Benzema, Vinicius Jr.
