Real Madrid’s possible starting line-up against Atlético in LaLiga today

Real Madrid are sweating on the fitness of Antonio Rüdiger ahead of today’s LaLiga derby against city rivals Atlético Madrid. Unable to train since suffering a thigh injury in Thursday’s league win at Getafe, Rüdiger has been working hard alongside Madrid’s medical staff to get himself into shape in time to face Los Rojiblancos.

Rüdiger determined to play through the pain

While the German certainly won’t be at 100% even if he does make it into the Madrid line-up, he is eager to play. However, club sources said yesterday that the 30-year-old remained in “intolerable” pain.

If Rüdiger does start at the Bernabéu, Madrid’s line-up against Atlético will be much as expected. Ferland Mendy and Dani Carvajal will be at full-back, with the latter set for his 400th club appearance, and Nacho Fernández will partner Rüdiger at centre-back.

Aurélien Tchouaméni is suspended, so Eduardo Camavinga will play alongside Toni Kroos in central midfield, with Fede Valverde and Jude Bellingham either side of them. Luka Modric is in line to start on the bench, while Madrid’s attack will be the Brazilian pairing of Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo Goes.

In goal, Andriy Lunin appears to be winning the battle for the gloves with summer loan signing Kepa Arrizabagala.

How would Rüdiger absence affect Madrid’s line-up?

Were Rüdiger unable to play against Atlético, this would lead to a domino effect on the make-up of the team. Mendy would be likely to shift into the centre from full-back, opening the door for Fran García to fill in for the Frenchman on the left. Alternatively, Carvajal could be moved in from the right, with Lucas Vázquez replacing him on the flank, or Camavinga could drop back into defence.

Real Madrid’s possible line-up vs Atlético:

Lunin; Carvajal, Rüdiger, Nacho, Mendy; Valverde, Kroos, Camavinga, Bellingham; Vinicius, Rodrygo.

Real Madrid vs Atlético: start time, how to watch

Real Madrid host Atlético at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu today, Sunday 4 February 2024, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm ET/12 noon PT. Viewers in the US will be able to watch the matchday-23 LaLiga clash on ESPN+.

You can also watch a live stream of Real Madrid vs Atlético on fuboTV, which offers users a free trial.

What’s more, you’ll have the option of following live-text coverage of the Madrid derby, right here at AS USA. Kieran Quaile will be building up to the game from about an hour ahead of kick-off in the Spanish capital, before providing minute-by-minute commentary of the action.