Rodrygo will replace the injured Kylian Mbappe in the Real Madrid starting lineup against Rayo Vallecano at Estadio de Vallecas on Saturday.
Real Madrid will aim to continue building momentum when they lock horns with Rayo Vallecano at Estadio de Vallecas on Saturday night. And Carlo Ancelotti has a new injury concern to worry about ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Kylian Mbappe is the latest absentee after picking up a thigh injury earlier this week in the UEFA Champions League clash with Atalanta earlier this week. The Frenchman is one of five players missing from the travelling squad to take on Rayo Vallecano. David Alaba, Ferland Mendy, Eder Militao, and Dani Carvajal are the other absentees.
However, there is some good news, with Eduardo Camavinga fit and available to take on Rayo Vallecano this weekend. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Ancelotti provided a fitness update on Mbappe and Camavinga.
The Real Madrid manager said, “Mbappe’s injury is not serious, although he won’t be here tomorrow, but he will travel to Qatar and we’ll assess the risk there and if he can play or part of the game.”
“It’s difficult. He’s been here in the last few games, resting and working hard. We don’t know. Fortunately, he’ll only be out for a short period and will not lose what he has achieved in recent times. Camavinga is doing well and is available for tomorrow.”
With Mbappe unavailable, Rodrygo should return to the starting lineup, leading the line for Real Madrid against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday. Vinicius Junior and Brahim Diaz will retain their spots on the flanks, with Jude Bellingham reprising the no. 10 role.
As for the midfield unit, Eduardo Camavinga should appear off the bench, with Federico Valverde and Dani Ceballos retaining their spots in the double pivot. The backline should also remain unchanged, with Aurelien Tchouameni starting as a centre-back again. The Frenchman will accompany Antonio Rudiger, Fran Garcia, and Lucas Vazquez in the defensive quartet. Finally, Thibaut Courtois will take his place between the sticks.
Predicted Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Vazquez, Tchouameni, Rudiger, F Garcia; Ceballos, Valverde; Brahim, Bellingham, Vinicius; Rodrygo
