Real Madrid’s possible line-up vs Rayo Vallecano in LaLiga today by AS
Jude Bellingham remains unavailable to Real Madrid, who must once again play with a patched up central defence when they host Rayo.
Veteran midfielder Luka Modric is expected to return to the Real Madrid team when the leaders host Rayo Vallecano in LaLiga today.
The 38-year-old, who has been limited to a bit-part role for Madrid this season, has started just one of Los Blancos’ last six games - a victory over Getafe in which a number of regulars were rested.
Across Madrid’s last three matches - against Atlético Madrid, Girona and RB Leipzig, the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner has featured for a mere 36 minutes.
“For someone who is so used to playing in pretty much every game, it’s tough,” Ancelotti told reporters when asked about Modric on Saturday. “He finds it hard to sit on the bench. I respect that, and I understand it perfectly.”
Modric’s return would be the headline change to a Madrid team that will once more be forced to line up with a makeshift central defence.
As Antonio Rüdiger continues his recovery from a thigh injury, Nacho Fernández will again partner midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni at the heart of the backline.
“We signed [Tchouaméni] to be a holding midfielder, but he’s shown that he can do an excellent job as a centre-back,” Ancelotti said. “He’s adapting quickly. That shows that he’s a very, very intelligent player.”
In five games with the Frenchman in defence this season, Madrid are yet to concede a goal and have won every time.
With Jude Bellingham not expected to return from an ankle issue until the start of March, Brahim Díaz is in line to keep his place in attack.
Madrid’s match winner against Leipzig, the 24-year-old had been a doubt for today’s game after picking up an injury in Tuesday’s 1-0 victory in Germany.
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