Karim Benzema is back from injury and in line to start, while Luka Modric should replace Federico Valverde when Real Madrid face PSG in the Champions League.
Real Madrid will be aiming to take a step towards the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League when they clash with Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie at Parc des Princes on Tuesday.
Real Madrid have been handed a major injury boost in the lead-up to the game as star striker Karim Benzema has returned to training and is in the squad for the encounter. Fellow Frenchman Ferland Mendy is also back in contention after recovering from his injury.
Speaking of Benzema’s condition in his pre-match presser, manager Carlo Ancelotti said, “I’m the last one to hear what the others say and then make a decision. He’s already had the all-clear from the medics because he’s been training individually without any problems and we’ll see how he’s feeling later. He hasn’t played for a month, but this is Karim we’re talking about and if he’s fit, of course he has to play.”
Ancelotti is unlikely to make wholesale changes to the side that played out a goalless draw against Villarreal last time out. However, there could be a few alterations to the lineup, starting with defence, where the fit-again Ferland Mendy is expected to replace Marcelo at left-back. Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao and David Alaba will complete the backline that will shield goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
There is no looking past Casemiro in the holding midfield position, meaning Eduardo Camavinga will have to remain an option on the bench. Toni Kroos is a certain starter in the middle of the park as well. But, the manager is likely to make one change as Luka Modric should come into the side after being benched for the weekend clash. Federico Valverde will be the one making way.
Moving forward into the final third, Marco Asensio has nailed down the right-wing berth after his recent performances, meaning Rodrygo Goes will have to make do with a spot on the bench. Vinicius Junior, meanwhile, is a certain starter on the opposite flank and will be involved in an enticing battle against former Real Madrid man Achraf Hakimi.
Finally, the fit-again Benzema is expected to walk right back into the starting XI, at the expense of Gareth Bale, who was a surprise starter against Villarreal. The Welshman will be an option on the bench for Ancelotti, along with Eden Hazard.
Real Madrid Predicted XI: Courtois, Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Mendy, Modric, Casemiro, Kroos, Asensio, Benzema, Vinicius Jr.