Vinicius Jr. and Toni Kroos will return to the Real Madrid starting lineup against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.
Real Madrid will aim to seal a safe passage through to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals when they lock horns with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening. And Carlo Ancelotti has a near-full-strength squad at his disposal ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Toni Kroos and Vinicius Junior have recovered from minor issues to be available for the midweek fixture. That leaves Ferland Mendy as the only absentee from the travelling squad. So Ancelotti can name his first-choice lineup on Tuesday.
During his pre-match press conference, Ancelotti did not discuss any team news updates. But he answered questions surrounding Kroos and whether the German playmaker will sit at the base of the midfield unit. He also spoke about the possibility of deploying Eduardo Camavinga as a left-back.
Ancelotti said, “His position doesn’t change a whole lot. I think when he plays in the middle he might move out wide a bit and when he plays deeper in defensive midfield he’s more inside. It doesn’t change a whole lot from a defensive point of view. Kroos is a legend and he’s at a good level both physically and mentally. As he’s said time and again, he’d like to finish his career at Real Madrid.”
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“It’s hard to say I have to pick a starting eleven. One day I’ve got it and then the guys who don’t play as often have a great game and they change your plans a bit. This squad has so many resources and to think only about the starting eleven is a lack of respect to the guys who play less but do a brilliant job. Camavinga may well play at left-back again.”
Camavinga should return to the starting lineup, taking his spot as the left-back. The Frenchman will likely join David Alaba, Eder Militao, and Dani Carvajal in the defensive unit. Alaba, who will replace Antonio Rudiger, will form the central defensive partnership alongside Militao.
As for the midfield unit, Kroos will likely sit at the base, modifying his role slightly. And the German midfielder will accompany Federico Valverde and fellow long-serving veteran Luka Modric in the middle of the park.
Finally, the attack will also see one change, with Vinicius Junior replacing Marco Asensio. So Rodrygo Goes will move to the right-wing berth, with Vinicius taking his spot on the left flank. Karim Benzema will spearhead the Real Madrid attack against Chelsea, with Asensio and Eden Hazard being backup options.
Predicted Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Camavinga; Valverde, Modric, Kroos; Rodrygo, Benzema, Vinicius Jr.
