Real Madrid is set to navigate a challenging La Liga fixture against Granada on Saturday without the services of seven first-team players, as confirmed by head coach Carlo Ancelotti in a press conference. Despite the setback, star midfielder Jude Bellingham has been included in the squad, dispelling concerns over an ankle problem that arose during Friday’s training session.
Kepa Arrizabalaga returns to the squad after overcoming a thigh injury, but Ancelotti has decided to maintain Andriy Lunin as the goalkeeper for the Granada clash.
Injury concerns persist for several key players, with Luka Modric still sidelined due to a thigh problem. However, there is optimism that the experienced midfielder could make a comeback in the upcoming match against Real Betis.
The absentee list includes Vinicius Junior, Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Guler, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eder Militao, and Thibaut Courtois. Both Militao and Courtois, who suffered serious knee injuries earlier in the season, are unlikely to be available for selection until April at the earliest.
Vinicius, Camavinga, and Tchouameni are working towards January returns for the capital giants, while Guler, who is yet to make his debut for the club due to persistent injuries, remains unavailable for selection.
In the absence of key players, young talents such as Nico Paz, Theo Zidane, Mario Martin, and Gonzalo Garcia have been named in the squad. Rodrygo, who experienced cramps in the recent Champions League clash with Napoli, is also included.
Nico Paz drew praise from Ancelotti for his performance, including his first senior goal, in Wednesday’s 4-2 win over Napoli. Ancelotti acknowledged the contributions of the youth players and emphasized their readiness to step up when called upon.
Real Madrid, currently at the top of the La Liga table and having secured a spot in the Champions League knockout stage as Group C winners, enters the Granada clash with a four-game winning streak. Ancelotti’s side faces five more matches before the winter break in Spain, seeking to maintain their momentum in both domestic and European competitions.
Real Madrid Squad vs. Granada: Goalkeepers: Lunin, Kepa, Canizares Defenders: Carvajal, Alaba, Nacho, Vazquez, F Garcia, Rudiger, Mendy Midfielders: Bellingham, Kroos, Valverde, Ceballos, Martin, Paz, Theo Forwards: Rodrygo, Joselu, Brahim, Gonzalo
