Real Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid squad list to face Atletico Madrid | La Liga
As Real Madrid gear up for their biggest test of the 2023/24 season so far against Atletico Madrid, manager Carlo Ancelotti has released the squad list for the game at the Civitas Metropolitano.
The biggest news is the inclusion of star forward Vinicius Jr in the squad, with the Brazilian seemingly making an ultra-swift recovery from his injury to make himself available for the Madrid derby.
Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham also makes the squad list after there were some concerns about his situation as he had a stomach issue on Friday.
Arda Guler has trained with the team but is still not ready for his debut while Dani Carvajal also misses out with injury. Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao remain long-term absentees.
Ferland Mendy makes a return to the squad list for a La Liga match after having recovered fully from his injury.
Youngster Nico Paz is still missing due to a knock that led to his absence in the midweek Champions League clash against Union Berlin.
📋✅ ¡Nuestros convocados para el derbi 🆚 @atleti!#AtletiRealMadrid pic.twitter.com/Vdtn8piSKB
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) September 23, 2023
Real Madrid are back in the Champions League following their impressive win against Cadiz on the weekend as they host Napoli at the Santiago Bernabeu for gameweek five.
They have already secured qualification to the round of 16, and even a point today would secure first place in the group.
With several players still injured, Carlo Ancelotti has opted for his best available starting lineup, with Daniel Carvajal taking responsibility of the captain’s armband at right-back. He will be aided by Ferland Mendy, who starts on the other side.
Meanwhile, in between them, David Alaba returns to the fold as the starting centre-back, partnering Antonio Rudiger. This duo has the responsibility of screening Andriy Lunin, who continues in goal in Kepa and Thibaut Courtois’ absence.
With both Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni out, Toni Kroos gets the chance to play as the holding midfielder for two games in a row. Federico Valverde retains his spot, as well, while Dani Ceballos comes in for the injured Luka Modric in central midfield.
Rodrygo will spearhead the team’s frontline as one of the two twin forwards, while Brahim Diaz gets the nod over Joselu. Jude Bellingham is the final, and arguably the most important piece of the puzzle, playing behind the front-two.
📋✅ Our starting 𝗫𝗜!
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) November 29, 2023
🆚 @en_sscnapoli #UCL pic.twitter.com/MarLb7TavA
Confirmed Madrid XI: Lunin; Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Mendy; Valverde, Kroos, Ceballos; Bellingham; Diaz, Rodrygo
