Real Madrid’s possible starting lineup vs Sevilla | LaLiga week 11
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is set to return for Real Madrid in Saturday’s LaLiga clash with Sevilla at the Bernabéu.
Thibaut Courtois is poised to return for Real Madrid on Saturday, as the leaders welcome Sevilla to the Bernabéu on matchday 11 of the LaLiga season.
Courtois to play for first time in a month
Courtois has not featured for Los Blancos since mid-September’s derby win over Atlético Madrid, but has now recovered from sciatica. The Belgium goalkeeper rejoined training several days ago, and Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that he is fit to face Sevilla.
“Courtois is back tomorrow,” Ancelotti told reporters on Friday. “Everyone is fine, all recovered.”
Mendy likely to return at left-back
Elsewhere in the team, there are a couple of question marks surrounding Madrid’s XI. In defence, David Alaba’s good work at left-back in the midweek league win over Elche, coupled with a fine display by Antonio Rüdiger as the left-sided centre-back, has reignited the debate over the make-up of Ancelotti’s backline.
However, Ferland Mendy was excellent in last weekend’s Clásico victory over Barcelona, so the Frenchman is likely to return at left-back. Barring rotations, which are not expected, the position will be between Mendy and Rüdiger.
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Benzema expected to play; Rodrygo in for Valverde?
In midfield, the first-choice trio of Aurélien Tchouaméni, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are set to play, but in attack there are also doubts about who will line up against Sevilla.
Karim Benzema withdrew from Friday’s training session with a very minor injury issue. Further tests are expected on Saturday, but the outlook is positive and he is expected to lead the line for Madrid.
The Frenchman, who won the Ballon d’Or on Monday, would be joined up front by the equally undroppable Vinícius Júnior, and either Fede Valverde or Rodrygo Goes. Ancelotti could opt to rest the in-form Valverde, who has scored in his last two Madrid appearances, opening the door for the Brazilian to start.
Real Madrid’s possible line-up against Sevilla
Courtois; Carvajal, Militão, Alaba, Mendy; Tchouaméni, Modric, Kroos; Valverde/Rodrygo, Benzema, Vinícius.