Real Madrid have fresh injury concerns ahead of the away game against Mallorca in La Liga, one week away from the season’s first El Clasico. Los Blancos, who currently lead La Liga with 18 points from 8 games, are the only team in the league to be undefeated this season.
The Spanish giants, though, will have a difficult two weeks as several of their key players are out with injuries. We could see manager Zinedine Zidane shuffle his pack up and give his fringe players a chance, ahead of Real’s important games against Galatasaray and Barcelona.
Let’s take a look at the possible team that Zidane may put out for Saturday night’s game against Mallorca:
Real Madrid Team News
Madrid have serious injury worries in midfield. Luka Modric has been ruled out of the game against Mallorca after suffering an injury while playing for Croatia.
Toni Kroos has been training, but Zidane may not want to risk him for the game against Mallorca. Lucas Vázquez is also injured, and will not make the Real Madrid lineup.
Predicted Real Madrid Lineup vs Mallorca
Goalkeeper
Thibaut Courtois could start for Real Madrid after missing the last game through illness. Courtois started for Belgium in both games and is expected to return to Madrid’s starting XI.
Defence
We could maybe see Sergio Ramos get a rest ahead of an important week for Madrid. Raphaël Varane could start in defence alongside Éder Militão, at the back.
At right-back, Álvaro Odriozola could get an opportunity ahead of compatriot Dani Carvajal for the game against Mallorca, while Marcelo could start the game with Ferland Mendy replacing him in the second half to keep him fresh for the mid-week game.
Midfield
We could see Federico Valverde get a start, with Isco most likely getting an opportunity in midfield.
Casemiro could start for Madrid, despite playing on Sunday for Brazil, scoring the only goal for Brazil.
Attack
Gareth Bale is another player that is not going to feature for Madrid against Mallorca. We could see James Rodriguez take up Bale’s role in the team.
Up front, Luka Jovic could get a start to keep Karim Benzema fresh for the mid-week and next weekend games. On the left, Eden Hazard could also drop to the bench with Vinícius Júnior starting in his place in the Real Madrid lineup.
There is no way Zidane does not start Hazard, especially against a easy team to get him more confidence and form going into the UCL match. Maybe Vinicius will sub in for him after the half.