REAL MADRID
Ancelotti to rotate: Possible Real Madrid XI vs Celta
As the Champions League semi-final and Spanish Cup final loom on the horizon, Ancelotti aims to rotate players to keep his squad fit and rested.
Speaking ahead of the weekend’s LaLiga clash against Celta Vigo, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti vowed to “fight until the last game” as ‘Los Blancos’ trail FC Barcelona by 11 points in the standings with just nine games remaining.
The Italian added: “the team is doing very well and we have to deliver solid performances ahead of the Copa del Rey final”. Upon being asked about resting players, the head coach added: “At the moment, squad rotation depends solely on resting players that I think need it the most and to make sure that as many players as possible are in good physical condition. I have to give players game time to keep them physically fit for the run-in.”
The Italian has two players currently absent through injury in Alaba and Mendy, both injured, so there is a doubt as to who will play in the left back position against Celta. The game does offer a perfect occasion for Camavinga to rest, but a lack of cover could see the French international employed as one of a three man back line. Everything points to Militao and Carvajal being rested with Nacho and Lucas being called into action with Rüdiger and Nacho at the heart of defence.
Midfield doubts
Tchouameni and Ceballos look set to start in central roles along with Fede Valverde in a move that would see both Modric and Kroos sitting out the Celta game. In the forward line, it looks like the trusted trio of Benzema, Vini Jr and Rodrygo poised to start with Asensio a possible candidate to compete with the Brazilian who bagged a brace in London midweek.