Carlo Ancelotti will ring in the changes when Real Madrid and RCD Mallorca face off at Estadi Mallorca Son Moix on Saturday.
Real Madrid will aim to retain the stronghold on the summit of La Liga when they lock horns with RCD Mallorca at Estadi Mallorca Son Moix on Saturday evening. And Carlo Ancelotti does not have any fresh issues hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Thibaut Courtois and David Alaba remain the only absentees for the home side, with the duo recovering from their respective knee injuries. Otherwise, Ancelotti has a full-strength travelling squad to take on Mallorca this weekend.
Ancelotti addressed several topics during his pre-match press conference, including the potential availability of Eder Miltiao and Rodrygo, who recently missed a training session. He also commented on the fitness data of his squad after the UEFA Champions League clash with Manchester City earlier this week.
The Real Madrid manager said, “The fitness data from after the game with Manchester City look good. We were in great shape physically. We dropped off a bit in the second half but that was also because we were 2-1 up and wanted to hold onto that. There are no issues in that sense.”
On Rodrygo, he said, “Rodrygo didn’t train because he took a knock yesterday, but he’ll be available. The whole squad is ready. Our priority is tomorrow’s game. We have a lot to play for this week. Our confidence is just the same as it was a few days ago, unchanged, but we have to remember that tomorrow is a crucial game in the battle to win LaLiga.”
The Real Madrid manager said on Militao, “They’re all available and I will put the best team out, Militao included. We have to think about it carefully, but he’s in good shape physically because he’s worked incredibly hard.”
“If I think a player looks fit, I won’t be counting the number of minutes he’s played. I put Khedira in to play a Champions League final when he hadn’t played even a single minute, because I thought he looked in great shape. Militão can’t play the full 90 minutes but he can last for a good spell and do a fantastic job.”
Eder Militao will make his long-awaited return to the Real Madrid starting lineup, pairing up with Nacho at the heart of the defence. The backline should have a completely new look, with Lucas Vazquez and Fran Garcia featuring as the full-backs. Meanwhile, Andriy Lunin will retain his spot between the sticks.
As for the midfield unit, Dani Ceballos and Luka Modric should make rare starts, with Aurelien Tchouameni returning to the holding midfield berth after featuring as a centre-back against Manchester City. Jude Bellingham will retain his usual spot, but Rodrygo will make way for Brahim Diaz as Vinicius Junior’s strike partner, with the Brazilian getting some rest.
Predicted Real Madrid XI: Lunin; Vazquez, Militao, Nacho, Fran Garcia; Ceballos, Tchouameni, Modric; Bellingham; Brahim, Vinicius Junior
