Dani Ceballos will replace Luka Modric in the Real Madrid lineup against Napoli at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.
Real Madrid will look to continue the perfect start to the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League when they welcome Napoli to the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night. And Carlo Ancelotti does not have any new issues to deal with ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Kepa Arrizabalaga, Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao, Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Guler, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Vinicius Junior remain unavailable. But everyone else is a part of the matchday squad to take on Napoli.
Meanwhile, Ancelotti refused to comment much on his squad’s injury crisis during his pre-match press conference. The Italian tactician blasted the media for repeated questions on the absentees, suggesting he remains focused on the players available for the game.
He said, “Talking a lot about the problems we have with the injuries is disrespectful to those who are going to play and those who’re available. They’re doing very well. We have to focus on who we have and they’re contributing in a way that we never expected them to. If we’re playing at the same level with all these problems, it shows, even if you didn’t think so, that this squad is very good.
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Ancelotti also discussed Andriy Lunin and his recent performances, insisting the Ukrainian shot-stopper will have the chance to remain a regular even after Kepa Arrizabalaga returns from his layoff.
He said, “He isn’t thinking that tomorrow is his last game because when Kepa returns he’s going to compete for the position with Lunin. Lunin has earned that by doing very well. Competition is good for us because we have two top level goalkeepers who can bring their quality to the team.”
Lunin will retain his spot between the sticks on Wednesday, with Real Madrid lining up in a 4-4-2 formation (with a midfield diamond) in front of him. Meanwhile, Ancelotti will make a few rotations to keep his troops fresh, considering the Merengues are already through to the Round of 16.
Lucas Vazquez and Fran Garcia should thus feature as the two full-backs, with the duo flanking Antonio Rudiger and Nacho in the defensive unit. As for the midfield department, Toni Kroos and Federico Valverde will be the workhorses in the middle of the park.
But Luka Modric might drop to the bench, with Ancelotti likely resting him on Wednesday. So, Dani Ceballos will make a rare start, accompanying Jude Bellingham in the central areas. Finally, Rodrygo Goes will aim to continue his fine form in front of the goal, with Brahim Diaz joining him in the attack.
Predicted Real Madrid XI: Lunin; Lucas Vazquez, Rudiger, Nacho, Garcia; Valverde, Kroos, Ceballos; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Diaz
