Real Madrid will be able to take advantage of the best from home in the first stage of their Champions League round of 16 collision with city rivalen Atletico Madrid. However, she will see the first stage without at least one important player, and with questions hanging over their midfield.
It seemed as if Carlo Ancelotti had beaten the right formula for the center of the field with the introduction of Dani Ceballos, so that Fede Valverde shifted to the backline. With Ceballos, Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao on the sidelines are now injured and Jude Bellingham has suspended for the first stage, Ancelotti thinks what to do in midfield.
“I don't think it's the way we play. I don't think it will change a lot. We have to take into account that the players who have can safely get the chance tomorrow: Asencio, Camavinga … we have to look at things like this and nothing more. We are not going to strengthen midfield or take off a striker. We must keep the same idea. “
The great care of 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, but his involvement has combined defensively with a significant improvement. He trained on Tuesday evening, but is expected to start.
“He trained individually yesterday and felt good. Today he will train with the team and after the training we will make the decision whether he can play or not. '
“Lucas Vazquez,” was his reaction when he was asked who would play fair if Valverde was not considered suitable, with Raul Asencio considering the other alternative.
It seems that Asencio will be Rudiger again in the middle of Antonio, with Aurelien Tchouameni in midfield. Without Bellingham, Ceballos or Valverde it seems likely that the Frenchman will be accompanied by two by Brahim Diaz, Luka Modric, Eduardo Camavinga or Arda Guler.
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