Rodrygo has a chance of getting the number '9' position due to Mbappé's absence.
Vallecas and Rayo Vallecano welcome Real Madrid this Saturday for the fourth consecutive away match for Carlo Ancelotti's team.
This match offers the reigning champions the chance to claim top spot in LaLiga – at least temporarily – depending on Barcelona's result against Leganés on Sunday. However, injuries continue to plague Ancelotti's squad.
The latest casualty is Kylian Mbappé, who is sidelined with a left thigh injury, adding to a growing list of absentees. On the plus side, Eduardo Camavinga will return after missing the last four games.
Who will play for Real Madrid against Rayo Vallecano?
Despite this, Ancelotti still has five players unavailable. In addition to Mbappé, the list also includes Mendy and the long-term absentees Alaba, Militão and Carvajal.
Mbappe's absence could prompt Rodrygo to step in as a false nine. Another possible move could see Tchouaméni return to midfield, allowing Asencio to become Rüdiger's partner in central defense, while Ceballos is likely to make way. The rest of the lineup is expected to remain unchanged from the team that defeated Atalanta, with Brahim on the right flank.
Ancelotti's likely starting XI vs. Rayo Vallecano:
Ancelotti has called up five youth players to complete the 22-man squad. In addition to Asencio, who is already a regular in the first team, Sergio Mestre, Yusi, Lorenzo and Castilla winger Víctor Muñoz have also been included. They will join Lunin, Vallejo, Camavinga, Ceballos, Modric, Güler and Endrick on the bench.
Real Madrid still has two games left in 2024. On Wednesday they will compete in the final of the Intercontinental Cup in Qatar against the winner of the Pachuca vs. Al Ahly.
The year ends on Sunday with a home match against Sevilla at the Bernabéu. Interestingly, Vinícius is one yellow card away from a suspension, meaning a new booking in Vallecas could see him miss the match against Sevilla.
The LaLiga Matchday 17 match between Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid will be played at the Estadio de Vallecas, Spain, on Saturday, December 14, 2024. Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00 PM ET/12:00 PM PT. A live feed will be available here on AS USA, and you can also stream the action live on the online platform fubo, which offers a free trial.
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