There is a lot of speculation about whether Real Madrid will sign Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool in January, but the only reinforcement Los Blancos will get at the back is David Alaba. The Austrian centre-back was a guaranteed starter before suffering a double knee injury last December, which sidelined him for over a year.
Ahead of their first game of the year against Valencia at the Mestalla, Ancelotti was made aware that his Real Madrid side had already been beaten twice before after the Christmas break, something the Italian will pass on to his side. He was also asked about Vinicius' state of mind after winning the Best award.
“Vinicius is very good. The holidays the players have had have been good for them. He is fresh, enthusiastic and motivated by the awards he has received in recent days. Focused on making a difference tomorrow.”
Early in the season, Ancelotti had noted that he intended to give his players mini holidays during the season, but was unable to do so due to injuries. Apart from Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao, Los Blancos have a clean bill of health, and Ancelotti was asked if he would now implement that plan.
“It's possible. We're thinking about doing something. Now we have a more complete team, more rotations. If Alaba returns, we have the opportunity to rotate a little further back, which is the position in which we suffered a little more. Next week he will start playing games. He's very close. Maybe around the 20th.”
Real Madrid will take on Deportiva Minera in the Copa del Rey after their clash with Valencia on Friday evening, before heading to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup, where they clash against RCD Mallorca in the semi-finals. In La Liga, Los Blancos return to action on January 19 with a home match against Las Palmas, which could be booked for Alaba's return.
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