Endrick will finally make his first start for Real Madrid when they host Deportivo Alaves at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday.
Real Madrid will aim to continue the unbeaten start to the 2024/25 season when they welcome Deportivo Alaves to the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night. Carlo Ancelotti has a new injury concern that is hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Dani Carvajal picked up a knock against Espanyol this past weekend and will not take on Alaves after missing out on a spot in the matchday squad. Jude Bellingham also sustained a minor issue but is in the group, although Ancelotti might rest him.
However, David Alaba, Dani Ceballos, Eduardo Camavinga, and Brahim Diaz remain on the sidelines. Meanwhile, Ancelotti discussed the recoveries of Ceballos and Camavinga during his pre-match press conference while speaking about possible rotations.
The Real Madrid manager said, “He’s [Ceballos] getting better, he’s recovering quite quickly, he’s back running today. He’s feeling good and we’re on the right track with him. The plan with Camavinga is for him to train with the team from Thursday. We will rest after tomorrow’s game, then he will train on Thursday and will be available.”
Ancelotti also provided an update on Bellingham and Carvajal, saying, “Bellingham’s shoulder problem wasn’t like last year’s. He’s not injured and he’s been recovering. We’ll have to protect the shoulder, but Jude is available and can play. Carvajal hasn’t quite recovered from the knock and will need a few more days, but he will be fit for Sunday.”
On rotations, the Real Madrid manager said, “I’m not going to name the lineup today, as I never do. It’s true that this is a time to rotate and we’re doing it. We have fresh players like Vini, Ferland Rüdiger and Lucas Vazquez, who will get more opportunities.”
The quartet Ancelotti mentioned in his press conference should start against Alaves. Vinicius Junior will replace Rodrygo on the left flank, with Kylian Mbappe continuing to lead the line for the home side. Endrick will complete the numbers in the final third, making his first start for Los Blancos.
As for the midfield unit, Luka Modric should retain his spot in the middle of the park, with Aurelien Tchouameni returning to the base after playing as a centre-back against Espanyol. Federico Valverde will be the third midfielder for Real Madrid this midweek.
The backline will see multiple changes, with Lucas Vazquez replacing the injured Carvajal. The veteran utility man will join Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, and Ferland Mendy in the defensive quartet, with Thibaut Courtois retaining his spot between the sticks.
Predicted Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Vazquez, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy; Modric, Tchouameni, Valverde; Endrick, Mbappe, Vinicius
