Jude Bellingham and Antonio Rudiger will return to the Real Madrid starting lineup against Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena on Wednesday.
Real Madrid will aim to take a step closer to the Copa del Rey final when they lock horns with Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena in the semi-final first leg on Wednesday night. Carlo Ancelotti has greeted a positive update on the team news front ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Jude Bellingham missed the league game against Girona this past weekend due to a suspension. While the ban will continue in La Liga, the English international can play in the Copa del Rey and is available to take on Real Sociedad.
So, Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal are the only absentees for the away side due to their long-term knee injuries. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Ancelotti addressed questions about Kylian Mbappe’s absence from training. He also discussed David Alaba’s progress after the Austrian international started against Girona.
The Real Madrid manager said, “Mbappé is travelling tomorrow. He had a problem with a tooth and couldn’t train. He’s travelling tomorrow and can play. Everyone who travels has a chance of playing the game, like Endrick.”
“He played 70 minutes and his knee is perfect, with no recovery problems. He played very well and was comfortable. He’s fully recovered, but we have to bear in mind that he came back after 14 months, so there is a risk of future muscle problems.”
The Real Madrid boss also spoke about possible changes, saying, “He [Federico Valverde] could go back to full-back because it’s pretty good there. I have to evaluate Lucas’s form, which is already good and he played the whole of the last game. Also Alaba. I have to think about the lineup, although I’ve already thought about it and I’m not going to reveal it.”
Lucas Vazquez should continue as the right-back, although the backline should see two changes. Antonio Rudiger will replace David Alaba as Raul Asencio’s central defensive partner, while Ferland Mendy should make way for Fran Garcia on the left flank. Andriy Lunin will take his spot between the sticks.
As for the midfield unit, Jude Bellingham should replace Brahim Diaz, while Dani Ceballos will come in for Luka Modric. The duo will accompany Rodrygo and Aurelien Tchouameni in the middle of the park. Finally, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior should continue as the two strikers, with Endrick being a backup option on the bench.
Predicted Real Madrid XI: Lunin; Vazquez, Asencio, Rudiger, Garcia; Rodrygo, Ceballos, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Vinicius, Mbappe
