Federico Valverde will return to the starting lineup, while Vinicius Junior should feature for Real Madrid against Atletico Madrid on Sunday.
Real Madrid will look to continue the perfect start to the 2023/24 season when they lock horns with Atletico Madrid at the Civitas Metropolitano on Sunday evening. And Carlo Ancelotti has greeted a positive update on the team news front ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Vinicius Junior is in the travelling squad after recovering from a hamstring injury. In addition, Arda Guler is closing in on being available, with his debut on the cards soon. But the Turkish prodigy has not travelled across Madrid, like Thibaut Courtois (knee), Eder Militao (knee), and Dani Carvajal (muscle).
Ancelotti spoke about Vinicius Junior’s recovery during his pre-match press conference. He also spoke about Real Madrid’s strength in the middle of the park. He said, “He [Vinicius Jr.] trained with the group yesterday.”
“He’s in good shape, the injury has cleared up. He’ll be in the squad, we’ll decide tomorrow on what role he is capable of playing. Carvajal won’t be available, he’s not at 100%. The others are all okay, except Arda Güler, who will be back with the group on Monday.”
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On midfield strength, he said, “Leaving Kroos, Modrić, Valverde, Tchouameni or Camavinga on the bench is very difficult. There is real competition in the centre of the park and what I reflected on with them this week is that when I make a change, the player coming off looks disappointed and the guy coming on is happy.”
“I understand one will be sad to get taken off, because he’ll feel he’s being switched because he’s not playing well. But I do these things because I have the resources to do so and I want to freshen things up. You should be sad if you don’t give 1000%. I’m not only taking about my players, I’m on about football in general. It’s not a case specific to Real Madrid.”
Ancelotti’s midfield selection will again be under the scanner. The Italian tactician should pick Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Eduardo Camavinga. So, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos will miss out. Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham is one of the first names on the team sheet, meaning his spot is not under threat.
As for the offensive unit, Vinicius Junior is in contention to start. But Ancelotti will likely ease him back into the thick of the action, considering he has recovered from a hamstring injury. So, Joselu and Rodrygo Goes should be the two attackers, with Vinicius coming off the bench later in the game.
Meanwhile, the defensive unit should have no surprises, with Fran Garcia replacing Nacho. So, David Alaba will return to the central defensive partnership, where he will line up alongside Antonio Rudiger. Lucas Vazquez will retain his spot on the right flank in Carvajal’s absence, with Kepa Arrizabalaga featuring between the sticks.
Predicted Real Madrid XI: Kepa; Vazquez, Rudiger, Alaba, Fran Garcia; Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Joselu
