Zidane set to make squad rotations for Deportivo visit
With the FIFA Club World Cup approaching, Zinedine Zidane is preparing wholesale changes to his Real Madrid squad for the last game of 2016 at the Bernabéu (Deportivo, Saturday, 20:45)
Zinedine Zidane is preparing wholesale changes for the last match at the Bernabéu in 2016. For the visit of Deportivo on Saturday (KO: 20:45), the Frenchman is set to rest the core of his side.
Kovacic, Isco, Kroos to come in
Kovacic, who wasn’t in the squad for the draw with Dortmund, will return to the eleven after recovering from the niggles that have accompanied him in recent matches.
Modric, Casemiro rested
Zidane could also be set to start with Isco and Toni Kroos – the German having come back two weeks earlier than expected from a foot fracture – leaving Modric and Casemiro some time to take a breather ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup, and James Rodríguez.
Pepe, Danilo, Asensio
In defence, Pepe and Danilo could also give rest to Carvajal and Varane before the squad fly to Japan, while Marco Asensio could come in for Lucas Vázquez. The attacking midfielder played at Camp Nou last weekend, but didn’t appear against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday.