Vinicius Junior and Federico Valverde will return to the Real Madrid starting lineup when they take on Olympiacos in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.
Real Madrid will be eager to return to winning ways in the UEFA Champions League and all competitions when they lock horns with Olympiacos at the Karaiskakis Stadium on Wednesday night. Xabi Alonso has received a mixed bag of updates on the team news front ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Dean Huijsen is the latest absentee after picking up a muscular injury this past weekend against Elche. The Spanish international has joined Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, and Franco Mastantuono in the treatment room, with the sextet not in the travelling squad to take on Galatasaray.
However, Aurelien Tchouameni is back in the squad after recovering from a leg injury. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Alonso did not provide fitness updates on any player. Instead, the Spanish tactician discussed how he manages egos and the recent noise surrounding him.
The Real Madrid manager said, "It’s as important as footballing ideas, tactics and fitness work. You have to get the best out of the players and make them feel as good as possible. It’s a process that has its ups and downs, but you have to know how to navigate it well. It’s essential at Real Madrid and at any team."
"All experiences help, and having known great players who had that collective and individual ambition to do well helps you at this moment. The atmosphere and the things that happen and the instinct you need to have in the dressing room are not so different. I imagine this isn’t the first time you’ve asked this question, but we know what the situation is and where we stand in both LaLiga and the Champions League."
Thibaut Courtois is an automatic pick between the sticks, and Real Madrid will line up in a 3-4-1-2 formation in front of him against Olympiacos on Wednesday. The central defensive unit will feature Raul Asencio, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Alvaro C arreras. Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Fran Garcia will continue as the two wing-backs.
As for the midfield unit, Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde should return, with Dani Ceballos and Arda Guler dropping to the bench. Finally, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior will lead the line for the home side, with Jude Bellingham reprising the no. 10 role. So, Rodrygo, Guler, Ceballos, and Brahim Diaz will be backup options on the bench.
Predicted Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Asencio, Tchouameni, C arreras; Alexander-Arnold, Valverde, Camavinga, Garcia; Bellingham; Mbappe, Vinicius Junior