An insight into the selection plans of the coaching staff at Real Madrid for the club’s upcoming showdown with city rivals Atlético has been provided this evening.
The info comes by way of Marca, and centers on how Carlo Ancelotti is expected to set up his backline.
The subject of the defensive options at the disposal of Blancos boss Ancelotti has of course dominated the headlines in Spain’s capital over the last 24 hours.
This comes after Antonio Rüdiger added to what is fast becoming a full-blown crisis at the heart of Real’s defence.
With both David Alaba and Éder Militão already sidelined long-term owing to respective knee injuries, German international Rüdiger sparked yet further concern on Thursday night, in limping out of Los Merengues’ 2-0 win over Getafe.
With Aurélien Tchouaméni – who has impressed in an emergency central defensive role when called upon of late – suspended for Sunday, how then are Real likely to set up, in the case of Rüdiger failing to recover in time?
As per Marca, in line to join captain Nacho in the middle of Real’s defensive four will be one of two full-backs – Dani Carvajal, or Ferland Mendy.
A final decision on as much will be made over the coming 48 hours.
Conor Laird | GSFN
