Carlo Ancelotti might hand a rest to many regular starters when Real Madrid and Real Sociedad clash at the Reale Arena on Friday.
Real Madrid will aim to get closer to reclaiming the league title when they lock horns with Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena on Friday night. And Carlo Ancelotti has a new issue hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Ferland Mendy is struggling with a muscular injury and is not in the travelling squad to take on Real Madrid. Thibaut Courtois and David Alaba are the only other absentees, with the duo recovering from their respective knee injuries.
Jude Bellingham has also missed the trip to San Sebastian, and Ancelotti provided an update on the English international during his pre-match press conference. The Italian tactician also spoke about other players struggling with their issues.
The Real Madrid manager said, " Bellingham has had stomach issues overnight and Rodrygo has got the flu. They stayed at home today but I hope they’ll be available tomorrow. Mendy won’t be with us tomorrow but he’s okay. I’d rather he stayed at home to get ready for the Champions League game."
Ancelotti also discussed Arda Guler’s potential participation on Friday. He said, “He’s in good shape, he’s been available for some time now but he’s not had the chance because we’ve had so many demanding games Changing the team when we’re playing well is difficult. He hasn’t had the minutes he deserves, but given his good attitude, the way he’s working and his commitment, he could play at any given moment.”
Arda Guler might get a rare start for Real Madrid against Real Sociedad on Friday due to Jude Bellingham’s absence due to a stomach issue. Meanwhile, Brahim Diaz and Joselu should complete the numbers in the final third, with Ancelotti resting Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.
As for the midfield unit, Toni Kroos and Federico Valverde will get some rest, with Luka Modric and Eduardo Camavinga joining Aurelien Tchouameni in the middle of the park. The defensive quartet will also see a change, with Fran Garcia joining Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, and Nacho in the backline. Finally, Andriy Lunin will retain his spot between the sticks.
Predicted Real Madrid XI: Lunin; Carvajal, Rudiger, Nacho, Fran Garcia; Modric, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Guler; Brahim Diaz, Joselu