Eduardo Camavinga could come into the side in place of Luka Modric while Eden Hazard is back in contention as Real Madrid get set to take on Athletic Bilbao.
Real Madrid will be aiming to extend their winning streak in La Liga and stretch their lead at the top of the table when they lock horns with Athletic Bilbao at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti has been handed a boost on the team news front as Eden Hazard has completely recovered from his illness and is part of the squad. However, Dani Ceballos and Gareth Bale remain unavailable due to injuries.
Speaking of Hazard in his pre-match presser, the manager said: “He’s fine and did a double session with the team. He felt good and has returned in good shape. He’ll be with the team.”
With crucial games against Real Sociedad, Inter Milan, and Atletico Madrid lined up next, Ancelotti was asked if he would rotate his troops on Wednesday, to which he replied: “The team is on good form and I’m not going to rotate for the sake of it. If a player is suffering from fatigue, the best thing is to avoid any risks. In terms of seeing whether a player is OK and has recovered, that’s an assessment that I have to make every day.”
Despite his response, Ancelotti is likely to rest some players for the contest against Athletic Bilbao. Starting with defence, Nacho Fernandez should be in line for a start at the Bernabeu for Real Madrid, with David Alaba the one making way. He will partner Eder Militao at the heart of the defence, with Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy occupying the full-back slots. Thibaut Courtois ought to continue in goal.
Luka Modric looked tired and in need of rest in the last game against Sevilla. He should be given a breather against Athletic Bilbao, with summer signing Eduardo Camavinga starting in his stead in the middle of the park. Casemiro and Toni Kroos, however, should hold on to their places in the remaining two slots in midfield on Wednesday.
Marco Asensio started over the weekend but could make way for Rodrygo Goes on the right flank. However, there is no looking past Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior for the centre-forward and left-wing berths, respectively.
Real Madrid Predicted XI: Courtois, Carvajal, Militao, Nacho, Mendy, Camavinga, Casemiro, Kroos, Rodrygo, Benzema, Vinicius.
