Luka Modric will make a rare start for Real Madrid when they welcome Osasuna to the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.
Real Madrid will look to remain perched atop the table when they host Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday evening. And Carlo Ancelotti has a crisis in the defensive unit heading into his team’s latest fixture.
Nacho is serving a suspension after seeing red in the 3-0 win over Girona last weekend. In addition, Eder Militao and David Alaba remain on the sidelines due to their respective injuries. The duo accompany Thibaut Courtois and Arda Guler in the treatment room, with five players missing out on the matchday squad.
Ancelotti discussed Alaba’s absence during his pre-match press conference. He said, “He isn’t right yet, so he won’t be playing tomorrow. We have other options at centre-back like Mendy or Tchouameni. We’ll be able to adapt well and the defensive work is down to the team and not only individuals.”
“The concern for this match is that we’re up against a side that is very well drilled. We’ve tried Tchouameni there in training these last two days and he has defensive qualities – he’s good in one-on-one situations and in the air. Mendy is naturally a defender and is used to playing in the back four.”
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Mendy will start as a makeshift centre-back, considering Antonio Rudiger is the only available central defender. So, Fran Garcia should feature on the left flank, with Dani Carvajal starting as the right-back. The quartet will protect Kepa Arrizabalaga, who will take his spot between the sticks.
As for the midfield unit, Luka Modric should make a rare start after a frustrating start to the season. Ancelotti commented on the Croat’s lack of minutes, saying, “I don’t think he’s considering leaving in January. He feels he’s an important player and so do we. He’s going to be very important this season and we’re delighted with him.”
“I talk to Modrić every day and he’s still highly motivated and eager to contribute something to the team. What he brings to the dressing room, no one else can bring. He has charisma and he’s important even when he doesn’t play. Not playing affects him and all of us who love Modrić.”
Modric will line up alongside Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde in the middle of the park, with Jude Bellingham sitting at the tip of the midfield diamond. Finally, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes should be the two strikers, with Joselu and Brahim Diaz finding themselves on the bench.
Predicted Real Madrid XI: Kepa; Carvajal, Rudiger, Mendy, Fran Garcia; Valverde, Tchouameni, Modric; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior
