Federico Valverde and Marco Asensio will return, but Vinicius Junior will be unavailable for Real Madrid against Real Sociedad on Tuesday.
Real Madrid will aim to build momentum leading up to the Copa del Rey final when they lock horns with Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena on Tuesday night. And Carlo Ancelotti has new roster issues hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Vinicius Junior and Eduardo Camavinga are unavailable this midweek due to suspensions. In addition, David Alaba, Ferland Mendy, and Luka Modric are on the sidelines due to their respective injuries.
In addition, there have been concerns surrounding Eder Militao and Federico Valverde in the build-up to Tuesday’s game. And Ancelotti discussed the duo during his pre-match press conference. The Italian tactician also spoke about Karim Benzema while sharing some good news about Modric.
Ancelotti said, “Militão is fine, he had a personal issue and joined us at training after the start. He’ll play tomorrow. We’ll have to evaluate Valverde’s situation because he’s been doing individual work in the pool but he might be back in time. Alaba will not be available because he has only just started training with the group. Good news about Modrić as he may well be ready for Saturday.”
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“We’re in good physical condition at this stage of the season. The problem with all matches like tomorrow’s is recovering in three days. We have to assess the players’ recovery thoroughly and we’ll put out the best side possible. We’re playing against a strong opponent and we have to show the best we have.”
“He [Benzema] might play as a starter. He’s a bit tired but if he’s well and has no real problems he’ll play. I won’t rotate apart from the injuries. We play at ten o’clock at night and we have time to recover. I’ll put out the best side and if the non-regulars deserve to start the game, then they will.”
Judging by Ancelotti’s comments, Benzema will spearhead the Real Madrid attack against Real Sociedad. The French international should accompany Rodrygo Goes and Marco Asensio in the final third. Asensio will replace Vinicius Junior in the starting lineup, with Rodrygo moving to the left flank.
Meanwhile, Valverde should return to the starting lineup on Tuesday, with Ancelotti resting Toni Kroos ahead of the cup final. Valverde will join Aurelien Tchouameni and Dani Ceballos in the trifecta in the middle of the park.
As for the defensive unit, Nacho should start as the left-back, with Dani Carvajal returning on the right flank. Finally, Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger should form the central defensive partnership, with Thibaut Courtois being an automatic pick between the sticks.
Predicted Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Nacho; Valverde, Tchouameni, Ceballos; Asensio, Benzema, Rodrygo
