Eduardo Camavinga could make his debut while Gareth Bale has been ruled out as Real Madrid get set to face off against Celta Vigo on Sunday night.
Real Madrid will be gunning for all three points when they return to the Santiago Bernabeu after over 18 months as they lock horns with Celta Vigo this weekend in 2021/22 La Liga.
Heading into the game, manager Carlo Ancelotti has been treated to some positive news on the roster front as the likes of Ferland Mendy, Marcelo, Nacho, Luka Modric have all returned and are available for selection for Sunday’s game.
“He’s [Marcelo] fine, he’s trained well. He’s recovered from his problems, as has Mendy. Miguel is all good and there’s real competition in that position. We’ve also got Modrić and Nacho back. The squad looks in good shape, we have strong options and can do great things this year,” Ancelotti said in his pre-match press conference.
However, Real Madrid continue to be without midfielder Toni Kroos, while Gareth Bale and David Alaba have also been ruled out due to fitness issues. Dani Ceballos is another player who does not make the cut for Ancelotti’s squad owing to an injury. Nonetheless, there is enough depth and quality at the Italian’s disposal to put out a very strong team against Celta Vigo on Sunday.
Real Madrid vs Celta Vigo Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats
In goal, there is just no looking past Thibaut Courtois, who will be shielded by the centre-back pairing of Eder Militao and the returning Nacho. Dani Carvajal, who scored the only goal of the game against Real Betis last time out, is a certainty at right-back while Mendy could edge out Marcelo for the starting berth on the left side.
New signing Eduardo Camavinga is fit and available for selection, and could make his Real Madrid debut on Sunday, Ancelotti revealed in his presser. “Camavinga has come back strong. He played with his national team and he’s excited and motivated to be here. He’s come into the squad well, he’s got real quality. Of course, he’ll be available for the game,” he said.
However, Casemiro and Federico Valverde are expected to feature as part of the starting XI despite the pair’s late return from international involvement in the CONMEBOL qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. And while Modric is also back fit, Ancelotti could err on the side of caution with the Croatian and go with Isco as the third midfielder against Celta Vigo.
Following Bale’s unfortunate injury in training on the eve of the game, Vinicius Junior ought to start out on the right flank for Real Madrid, while Eden Hazard slots in on the left wing. Spearheading the Real Madrid attack against Eduardo Coudet’s side will be Karim Benzema, with Mariano Diaz serving as his backup.
Real Madrid Predicted XI: Courtois, Carvajal, Militao, Nacho, Mendy, Valverde, Casemiro, Isco, Vinicius, Benzema, Hazard
