Toni Kroos is the latest player to join Real Madrid’s growing list of absentees as they prepare to travel to Anoeta and face Real Sociedad.
Toni Kroos has been added to Real Madrid’s growing list of absentees for this weekend’s La Liga clash at Real Sociedad. The Germany midfielder will have to miss out the tricky trip to Anoeta since he did not train with the team ahead of the encounter after picking up a knock midweek.
Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane also stated that centre-back Jesus Vallejo will be unavailable. The encounter will certainly prove to be a test since most of his squad members are beset by injuries and suspensions. Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo are suspended for the fixture while Karim Benzema and Mateo Kovacic are injured.
However, the absence of Kroos is likely to present an opportunity for summer signing Dani Ceballos to start. The player has been restricted to merely two substitute appearances in all competitions this season so far, and has not yet played in La Liga for Los Blancos.
Meanwhile, Marco Asensio is expected to be back after he was kept out by a small infection on his leg. With Ronaldo’s suspension Benzema’s injury, Zidane will have to rely on Asensio tonight alongside Gareth Bale and Isco in attack.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Zidane brushed aside the number of injury concerns and said,”I know how we’re going to set up tomorrow. These things happens and injuries are inevitable. We’ll put out a very strong side tomorrow and the players who make the bench will also have an important role to play.”
The manager also spoke about Gareth Bale. The Welshman received his fair share of criticism for failing to perform convincingly. With Ronaldo out of this game, a lot will be dependent on Bale and his abilities in front of Sociedad’s goal, especially after the side remains unbeaten so far.
“He’ll go out and play his game. He’s getting stronger by the day,” said Zidane. “He was out for four months and to get back to his best he needs four months, at least. We’ve got to give him some time,” the manager concluded.
