Real Madrid will take on Sevilla later today in Matchday 36 of La Liga action. With the season coming to a close, manager Zinedine Zidane has opted to leave nine players back in Madrid.
Los Blancos traveled to Sevilla earlier today as their prepare for a meeting with the 8th place team in Spain. This time though, the plane was filled with many youngsters and much of the first-teamers absent. Nine players from Real Madrid’s squad did not make the trip and have stayed back for an array of reasons.
Here’s a list of players missing:
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Isco
- Daniel Carvajal
- Keylor Navas
- Raphael Varane
- Luka Modric
- Toni Kroos
- Marcelo
- Gareth Bale
Injuries
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is still recovering from his minor ankle sprain last weekend at the Camp Nou. Ronaldo injured himself as he blew past defender Gerard Pique and towards the goal to finish off Karim Benzema’s thoughtful assist.
In his valiant effort to level the game, Cristiano rolled his ankle on the scoring play which resulted in his substitution at halftime. CR7 is currently training indoors and will most likely miss the last three games of the La Liga season to ensure his fitness for the UCL final.
Isco
Fransisco Alarcon was also left out of the squad list against Sevilla as he continues to regain full fitness. Isco has been seen training with the first-team outdoors; one could conclude that he is game ready but the staff is taking all necessary precautions. Magia was instrumental in the Champions League Final last season and could be a part of Zizou’s plan for this year as well.
Daniel Carvajal
Carvajal continues to nurse his hamstring injury which he picked up against Bayern Munich in the first leg of the semifinals. Dani has also taken part in first-team training sessions but is likely still being left out as a precaution. With La Liga all wrapped up, there is no need to rush the defender back.
Rest
The other six players left out of Real Madrid’s squad have been given what one could assume to be a rest. Many of the aforementioned players have been quite busy over the last month with important Champions League matches. In racking up so much playing time, Zidane has given his players some time to recoup while also not wanting to risk crucial squad members ahead of a Final.
Who Plays
With nearly a full squad out of commission for today’s game, Zidane will be looking down his bench to fill his XI. Kiko Casilla will most likely start as Keylor Navas was left back in Madrid.
In defense, Sergio Ramos, Casemiro, and Karim Benzema are the only senior players who traveled. The captain will likely play alongside Nacho, Theo Hernandez, and Achraf Hakimi. Depending on the formation, the midfield and attack could look very different.
To add support and stability, Casemiro, Kovacic or maybe both will start the match. Marco Asensio and Lucas Vazquez will most likely get more minutes as both have shown immense growth this season.
Next: Three things to watch for as Real Madrid face Sevilla
Zidane will probably sit Benzema and bring him on as a substitute if needed and give Borja Mayoral the start. Hopefully, we’ll get to see some action from Dani Ceballos and Marco Llorente tonight.
No Ronaldo for Real Madrid tonight against Sevilla. Here's how they might start... pic.twitter.com/QBy7kQxc6k
— GOAL (@goal) May 9, 2018