Toni Kroos and Federico Valverde are back in contention, but Casemiro is ruled out for Real Madrid as they get set to take on PSG in the UEFA Champions League.
Real Madrid will be aiming to pull off a comeback and seal their spot in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League when they take on PSG in the Round of 16 second-leg tie at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.
Ahead of the game, Real Madrid have been handed a double injury boost as midfielders Toni Kroos and Federico Valverde, who missed the last match against Real Sociedad with injuries, are back in the squad. However, the Merengues will have to make do without the services of key midfielder Casemiro and left-back Ferland Mendy, who are suspended.
Real Madrid vs PSG Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats
Carlo Ancelotti is likely to make a few changes to the team that took the field against Real Sociedad over the weekend. Thibaut Courtois, who was the hero in the first leg for Real Madrid, will continue between the sticks. Eder Militao and David Alaba have forged a solid partnership in defence and should remain intact on Wednesday night.
Dani Carvajal is expected to get the nod again at right-back despite his disappointing display in the reverse fixture in Paris. Mendy’s absence opens up a spot on the opposite side, which Nacho is likely to take up ahead of veteran defender and captain Marcelo.
Luka Modric is a guaranteed starter in midfield for Real Madrid, and he will be looking to pick up from where he left off against Sociedad over the weekend. The fit-again Valverde should also come into the team due to his all-round abilities and work rate off the ball.
As for Kroos’ situation, Ancelotti said in his pre-match presser: “If the player isn’t at 100%, they can’t play in these types of games. If I believe that Kroos is at 100%, he’ll play, but if Kroos is at 95%, he won’t play.” Given the importance of the contest and what’s at stake, though, the German international is expected to take the field from kickoff against PSG.
Moving into the attacking third, Karim Benzema is a nailed-on starter in the centre-forward slot. Having failed to make an impact in the first leg, he will be gunning to set things straight on Wednesday. Flanking the Frenchman should be the duo of Marco Asensio and Vinicius Junior, with Rodrygo Goes dropping out of the side.
Real Madrid Predicted XI: Courtois, Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Nacho; Modric, Kroos, Valverde, Asensio, Benzema, Vinicius.
Hala Madrid