Arda Guler will replace Gonzalo Garcia in the Real Madrid starting lineup when they welcome AS Monaco to the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday.
Real Madrid will aim to return to winning ways in the UEFA Champions League when they host AS Monaco at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night. Alvaro Arbeloa has received a mixed bag of updates on the team news front ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Andriy Lunin has recovered from a minor issue to be in the squad to take on AS Monaco this week. However, Antonio Rudiger (knee), Ferland Mendy (calf), and Rodrygo (knock) remain in the treatment room alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold (thigh) and Eder Militao (hamstring).
Additionally, Alvaro Carreras will serve a suspension, while Brahim Diaz will not be ready to return after featuring in the Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Arbeloa did not provide fitness updates on any player. However, the Spanish tactician discussed how he wants his players to react after the jeers from the Bernabeu faithful this past weekend.
The Real Madrid boss said, “What he [Vinicius Junior] wants, and what I expect, want and wish for, is that the Bernabeu will support and get behind every player – and of course, that includes Vini Jr. This is a guy who has been writing his story at Real Madrid for many years. He’s given us two Champions League titles and many magical nights.”
“He needs the Bernabeu to bring out his best. He has a huge heart, he’s very emotional, and his football reflects that. He loves this badge and the fans; he wants them on his side. As a coach, I would love to see a Bernabéu that stands behind its players.”
Thibaut Courtois is an automatic pick between the sticks, with Real Madrid lining up in a 4-3-3 formation in front of him against AS Monaco on Tuesday. The backline will feature Federico Valverde, Raul Asencio, Dean Huijsen, and Fran Garcia.
As for the midfield unit, there is no looking past Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Jude Bellingham. Finally, Kylian Mbappe will lead the line for the home side against AS Monaco, with Arda Guler and Vinicius Junior joining him in the offensive trifecta. Guler will replace Gonzalo Garcia in the attack.
Predicted Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Huijsen, Garcia; Camavinga, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Guler, Mbappe, Vinicius Junior