Real Madrid expected starting team against Elche
Carlo Ancelotti and his players are in Alicante on Wednesday for more LaLiga action, this time at the Estadio Martínez Valero.
Real Madrid visit Elche in a state of bliss. Carlo Ancelotti’s team regained the lead in LaLiga after beating bitter rivals Barcelona in El Clásico at the weekend and celebrated their successes at the Ballon d’Or gala, where Karim Benzema won the coveted men’s trophy and Thibaut Courtois won the Yashin award as the best goalkeeper of last season. While the French striker will look to add to his tally on Wednesday night, the Belgian stopper will miss out once again as he continues his recovery from the sciatica that has kept him sidelined for the last five games. Saturday’s game against Sevilla could see his return.
Courtois missing again for Madrid
Courtois is one of three absentees from the squad to face Almirón’s side. Dani Ceballos is another missing, and doubts over a return before the World Cup remain. Mariano is the other to be out, but he is expected to be available soon.
After fielding his first-choice XI against Barcelona, Elche will see a return of some rotations. Carvajal and Alaba may give way in defence to Lucas Vázquez and Rüdiger, respectively. Valverde may allow a rest for one of the veterans, Kroos or Modric in midfield and the Uruguayan’s place may also involve the return of Rodrygo, who saw a run of seven consecutive starts halted in El Clásico.
Possible starting XI for the Elche-Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti’s possible starting eleven for the match against Elche:
Lunin; Lucas Vázquez, Militao, Alaba, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouameni, Modric or Kroos; Rodrygo, Benzema, Vinicius.
The Real Madrid coach has called up 22 players for the match, so on the bench at the Martínez Valero he will have eleven players for possible changes: Luis López, Lucas Cañizares, Carvajal, Odriozola, Nacho, Vallejo, Alaba, Camavinga, Kroos or Modric, Asensio and Hazard.