Ancelotti to deploy heavy rotations for Real Madrid’s clash against Alaves | OneFootball

Instead of the gloom that should surround Madrid after Real Madrid’s poor showing against Arsenal earlier this week, the mood in the city appears to be one of excitement.

Los Blancos have made a name for themselves as comeback kings over the years, and there is a real feeling that next week could see a special night at the Santiago Bernabeu despite the steep deficit.

The immediate problem it creates for Carlo Ancelotti, however, is a selection crisis for the weekend game that Real Madrid have against Deportivo Alaves for the manager must rest key players.

Heavy rotations expected

The Italian gaffer is faced with serious decisions ahead of the game away from home and SPORT relay that his biggest concern is in the defence.

Antonio Rudiger has been far from complete fitness for several months now and is pushing through the pain to contribute to Real Madrid’s season despite his meniscus and hip discomfort.

Several key players set to be rested vs Alaves. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

Raul Asencio, meanwhile, is severely fatigued and struggling with the overload of minutes in his first season at the top level.

Both players, thus, do not appear to be in a favourable position to start against Alaves at the weekend and will likely be rested. It is thus likely that Aurelien Tchouameni and David Alaba start in central defence despite the latter’s shocking game against Arsenal.

Lucas Vazquez and Fran Garcia are expected to start at right-back and left-back respectively.

Ancelotti’s situation in midfield is similar with Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde better off rested in the league game. Luka Modric and Eduardo Camavinga appear likely start on Sunday, possibly alongside Arda Guler.

In the best-case scenario, the manager will prefer to rest both Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe in preparation for the big game next week and Endrick and Brahim Diaz are thus expected to start in attack.

The third spot could be taken by Rodrygo, or by Guler should Dani Ceballos be fit enough to start in midfield.