Real Madrid superstar Gareth Bale is a major doubt to feature against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, owing to an injury he picked up earlier this week.
Real Madrid will face off against neighbours Rayo Vallecano in matchweek 16 of the 2018-19 La Liga at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday evening.
After suffering an embarrassing defeat at the hands of CSKA Moscow in the UEFA Champions League earlier this week, the Merengues will be itching to bounce back with a commanding display against the 19th placed outfit at the weekend.
Having fielded a much changed side against CSKA Moscow, manager Santiago Solari is expected to bring back his regulars to the starting XI on Saturday. Summer signing Thibaut Courtois should feature between the sticks, however, with Keylor Navas set to remain on the benches.
Speaking of the Costa Rican international in his pre-match presser, the manager said,“He has my utmost respect and admiration as a footballer and as a person. He’s brought so much joy to madridismo and choosing the line-up is the worst part of being a coach, but it’s my job”.
Defender Nacho remains sidelined for the Los Blancos with an injury, while Sergio Reguilon is also a major doubt to be involved. Dani Carvajal, who did not start in the midweek, will return to the starting XI at right-back, while Marcelo is expected to hold on to his place out on the left side.
Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane were both not involved in the European encounter, but is set to return to the starting XI at the heart of the defence.
Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric was also not a part of the squad on Wednesday night, but should feature from tje kick off on Saturday evening. Midfield mainstay Casemiro remains sidelined for Los Blancos, meaning Marcos Llorente is set to continue at the base of the midfield.
Isco started in the third midfield slot in the midweek game, but is likely to make way for Dani Ceballos, with Toni Kroos set to start on the bench once again.
Gareth Bale is a major doubt to be involved for Real Madrid, owing to an ankle injury he picked up in the game against CSKA. Speaking about the Welsh wing-wizard in his press conference on Friday, Solari said: “We’ll see how he is tomorrow and how his ankle has come on. We’ll speak to him and the medical team and make a decision”.
Vinicius Junior was one of the rare bright spots for Real Madrid against CSKA and could get the nod on the left flank, with Bale unlikely to feature. Lucas Vazquez wasn’t involved in the midweek game, but should start on the right side of the attack. Karim Benzema will spearhead the attack for the Merengues.
