Real Madrid will be keen to capitalize on their home advantage in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 clash with city rivals Atletico Madrid. However, the first leg will see them without at least one key player, and with questions surrounding their midfield.
It seemed as though Carlo Ancelotti had found the right formula for the middle of the pitch with the introduction of Dani Ceballos, shifting Fede Valverde to the backline. However, with Ceballos now injured and joining Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao on the sidelines, and Jude Bellingham suspended for the first leg, Ancelotti has some thinking to do in midfield.
"I don't think it's going to change the way we play," Ancelotti said. "I don't think it's going to change much. We have to keep in mind that the players who have rested could have the opportunity tomorrow: Asencio, Camavinga... We have to look at these kinds of things and nothing more. We're not going to reinforce the midfield or take off a striker. We have to keep the same idea."
The big concern for Real Madrid is whether Valverde will be fit. The Uruguayan has been used as a right-back in recent weeks but has missed their last three games through a muscle injury. His involvement has coincided with a significant improvement defensively. He trained on Tuesday evening and is expected to start.
"He trained individually yesterday and felt good," Ancelotti said. "Today, he will train with the team, and after training, we will make the decision on whether he can play or not."
When asked who would play right-back if Valverde was not deemed fit, Ancelotti responded, "Lucas Vazquez," with Raul Asencio deemed the other alternative. It seems certain that Asencio will be back in at center-back alongside Antonio Rudiger, with Aurelien Tchouameni in midfield. Without Bellingham, Ceballos, or Valverde, it seems likely the Frenchman will be accompanied by two of Brahim Diaz, Luka Modric, Eduardo Camavinga, or Arda Guler.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0