Dani Carvajal and Luka Modric will return to the starting lineup when Real Madrid and Valencia meet at the Santiago Bernabeu on Thursday.
Real Madrid will be eager to bounce back to winning ways when they welcome Valencia to the Santiago Bernabeu on Thursday night. And Carlo Ancelotti has greeted positive updates on the team news front ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Dani Carvajal and Aurelien Tchouameni are in the squad for the game after recovering from their respective fitness issues. But Ferland Mendy (hamstring), Lucas Vazquez (ankle), and David Alaba (leg) remain on the sidelines.
Mendy’s absence has forced Ancelotti to be creative with his decisions regarding the left-back slot. And Eduardo Camavinga has showcased his ability to reprise the role in the last few weeks. Nacho is also capable of playing as a left-back. And Ancelotti discussed his conundrum during his pre-match press conference.
“Camavinga played left-back when there was an emergency when Alaba was out. Nacho can also play there and has lpayed well, like he did against Valencia in the Super Cup. Alaba can play there. We’re well covered in that position.”
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“Camavinga is settling in very well, but we’re not going to change the notion that he’s going to be a top defensive midfielder and a great central midfielder in the future. His ability to adapt to the left-back position shows that he has intelligence and humility.”
Ancelotti also spoke about the two players who have regained their fitness. He said, “They’re both doing well. Their recovery programme has been long, but they’re ready to play and are 100 per cent. There’s a little bit to go for Alaba, but he’ll be available for Sunday or the Club World Cup.”
Nacho should start as the left-back, with the fit-again Carvajal set to start on the right flank. Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger should continue as the central defensive partnership, with Thibaut Courtois taking his place between the sticks.
With Nacho starting as the left-back, Camavinga will move into a midfield role. So Ancelotti will unlikely risk Tchouameni ahead of a fixture pile-up in the coming months. And Camavinga will join Luka Modric and Toni Kroos in the middle of the park.
Modric’s return to the starting lineup means Federico Valverde might move into the right-wing spot. The Uruguayan international will take Rodrygo Goes’s spot, with the Brazilian dropping to the bench. Finally, Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior will complete the offensive unit on Thursday.
Predicted Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Nacho; Kroos, Camavinga, Modric; Valverde, Benzema, Vinicius Jr.
