Zidane leaves out Rodrygo, Odriozola, Brahim and Mariano
The Real Madrid boss is relying on experience to see his side through a tough test against joint leaders Sevilla in the Sánchez Pizjuán.
Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has published his squad for the match away at Sevilla and has decided to lean mainly on experience as he faces his successor and predecessor Julen Lopetegui in the Sánchez Pizjuán.
Lopetegui will be looking to make a point against his former employers and either side can go top of LaLiga with victory, with a point sufficient for Sevilla to regain top spot from Granada, who spectacularly beat Barcelona on Saturday evening. As well as the usual soap opera surrounding Sergio Ramos’ annual return to his former club an ex-Madrid striker in the shape of Chicharito will be looking to get on the score sheet for the second game in a row after bagging against Qarabag in the Europe League.
Zidane has thusly decided to stick with experience for the trip south and has named all of his available senior players while leaving youngsters Rodrygo, Álvaro Odriozola and Brahim Díaz at home, with unwanted striker Mariano also omitted.
The Frenchman will have to do without the injured Luka Modric, Isco and Marcelo, which leaves Real a little light in midfield again, hence the inclusion of Fede Valverde. Ferland Mendy will deputise at left back in the absence of the Brazilian and James Rodríguez will almost certainly be handed a start after impressing against Levante.
Up front, Zidane will hope his new front line of Eden Hazard, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale uncover some form of understanding after drawing a blank in Paris against PSG, failing to register a single shot on target in an insipid 3-0 defeat.
Real Madrid squad for Sevilla
Keepers: Courtois, Areola, Altube.
Defenders: Carvajal, Militão, Sergio Ramos, Varane, Nacho, Mendy.
Midfielders: Kroos, Casemiro, Valverde, James.
Forwards: Hazard, Benzema, Bale, Lucas, Jovic, Vinicius.