Rodrygo Goes is in line to replace Marco Asensio while David Alaba is an injury doubt as Real Madrid take on Athletic Bilbao in the Supercopa de Espana final.
Real Madrid will be gunning to lift the first trophy of the 2021/22 season when they take on holders Athletic Bilbao in the final of the Supercopa de Espana at the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Having beaten Barcelona in the semi-final, Los Blancos will be confident heading into the tie. However, they have had to deal with a couple of setbacks on the team news front ahead of the Supercup finale. Dani Carvajal has tested positive for coronavirus and will be unavailable for selection, manager Carlo Ancelotti confirmed in his pre-match presser.
Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats
“We are used to it happening in our family and our work now. I feel sorry for Carvajal because he did very well in the semifinal. He’s feeling fine physically, but he will have to wait,” the Italian tactician said. On top of that, Marco Asensio is also ruled out with an injury he picked up against Barcelona, while David Alaba is also set to miss out with a hamstring issue, reports Football Espana.
So, there are set to be changes made to the side that started in the semi-final, starting with defence where Lucas Vazquez and Nacho are expected to replace Carvajal and Alaba, respectively. Eder Militao and Ferland Mendy should complete the Real Madrid backline that will shield goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Moving into the middle of the park, there is no looking past the first-choice trio of Luka Modric, Casemiro and Toni Kroos. Federico Valverde, who scored the winning goal for the Merengues against Barcelona last time out, will once again have to suffice with a spot on the bench.
With Asensio ruled out, a spot opens up in attack, which Rodrygo Goes is likely to occupy after impressing the manager in the semi-final. Karim Benzema, who is the leader of this Real Madrid side, is expected to slot in as the No. 9 as usual. The Frenchman came in for a lot of praise from Ancelotti in the build-up to the contest.
“He hasn’t changed, he’s as humble as ever. What’s changed is how others are seeing him. They’re looking to him more as a leader. I think people look at him differently to how they did six years ago,” the manager said. The final slot in the attacking trident will be occupied by Vinicius Junior, who has been in terrific form this season.
Real Madrid Predicted XI: Courtois, Carvajal, Militao, Nacho, Mendy, Modric, Casemiro, Kroos, Rodrygo, Benzema, Vinicius
