Ferland Mendy and Casemiro should return, but Toni Kroos could be rested when Real Madrid and RCD Mallorca face off on Monday.
Real Madrid will aim to continue the momentum from their big win over Paris Saint-Germain last week when they lock horns with RCD Mallorca at the Visit Mallorca Stadium on Monday night. And Carlo Ancelotti has a full-strength squad at his disposal ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
The Real Madrid boss had been sweating over a few concerns towards the end of last week, as Eder Militao, Nacho and Karim Benzema were looking to shrug off knocks they picked up in the UEFA Champions League tie against PSG. But the trio has overcome the minor issues to be available to take on Mallorca.
There is some more good news, as Ferland Mendy and Casemiro are back at Ancelotti’s disposal after missing the PSG game due to their respective suspensions. During his pre-match press conference, the Real Madrid manager did not have a team news update but praised his team’s leaders.
“There isn’t just one leader here. We have a team full of leaders, who are hugely important in setting an example. Karim, Luka, Kroos, Courtois, Marcelo… It’s a team full of leaders and that’s the good fortune I have as a coach.”
RCD Mallorca vs Real Madrid Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats
“I don’t think anyone is fatigued for tomorrow, but I may make a few changes due to the type of game we want to play. It won’t be a result of fatigue because the players don’t look tired to me.”
Benzema should spearhead the Real Madrid attack, even though Ancelotti can rest him against a lowly opposition like Mallorca. Vinicius Jr. and Marco Asensio should continue flanking Benzema in the final third, with Rodrygo Goes and Eden Hazard backup attacking options.
As for the midfield unit, Casemiro should return to the starting lineup straight away, replacing Kroos, who will get some rest. Luka Modric should retain his spot amid concerns over his contract situation. Eduardo Camavinga should complete the numbers in the middle of the park, with Federico Valverde making way.
Ancelotti had words of praise for Camavinga as well, saying, “His position is clear. He is the present and the future of this club. He’s sure about that and so are we. When the time comes that Modric, Casemiro and Kroos aren’t around anymore, we’ll have Camavinga, Valverde and the young lads from Castilla like Blanco. They are all the ideal replacements for these club legends.”
The defensive unit should also see a major change, with Mendy reclaiming his left-back berth. Eder Militao and David Alaba will continue pairing up at the heart of the Real Madrid defence, with Dani Carvajal starting as the right-back. Finally, there is no looking past Thibaut Courtois in the Real Madrid goal against Mallorca.
Predicted Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Mendy; Modric, Casemiro, Camavinga; Asensio, Benzema, Vinicius Jr.
