Eduardo Camavinga and Joselu will return to the Real Madrid starting lineup against Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey Round of 16.
Real Madrid will aim to reach the Copa del Rey quarter-finals when they lock horns with Atletico Madrid in the Round of 16 at the Civitas Metropolitano on Thursday night. And Carlo Ancelotti does not have any new issues to deal with ahead of his side’s latest game.
Ancelotti had been sweating over the fitness of Rodrygo Goes, who looked weary last weekend. But the Brazilian international is in the travelling squad to take on Atletico Madrid. But Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao, David Alaba, and Lucas Vazquez remain on the sidelines.
Ancelotti discussed Rodrygo’s issue during his pre-match press conference. He also spoke about Lucas Vazquez’s possible return date while commenting on the squad’s fitness levels after a long journey back from Saudi Arabia.
He said, “We’ve had a lot of injuries and we’ve stuck it out because the squad is very strong. There is a great deal of competition in training sessions and they’re very intense. This allows us to be in good physical condition.”
“He [Rodrygo] needed another day of low intensity. He’s on a good run and was key in the two Super Cup games, especially against Atlético. He’s getting back to his best. He’s fine for tomorrow and the whole team is available. Lucas Vazquez will be back on Friday.”
Rodrygo will get some rest on Thursday, with Joselu joining Vinicius Junior in the final third. The Brazilian international will thus be an option on the bench alongside Brahim Diaz. Jude Bellingham will continue in his usual role behind the two strikers.
As for the midfield unit, Eduardo Camavinga should replace Aurelien Tchouameni, another player whose fitness situation had question marks around it. Camavinga will likely join Federico Valverde and Toni Kroos in the middle of the park.
Meanwhile, the defensive unit should not see any changes, even though Ancelotti should ideally rotate his troops. So, Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, Nacho, and Ferland Mendy will retain their spots in the backline. Finally, Andriy Lunin will feature between the sticks instead of Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Predicted Real Madrid XI: Lunin; Carvajal, Rudiger, Fernandez, Mendy; Valverde, Camavinga, Kroos; Bellingham; Joselu, Vinicius Jr.
