Real Madrid: 4 takeaways from announced squad vs. Granada

Real Madrid will face Granada on Saturday, and their announced 19-man squad for the key La Liga matchup will not include goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois or any traditional left backs.

After Nacho suffered a two-and-a-half month knee injury during mid-week in a 2-2- draw with Club Brugge and Marcelo suffered a setback, Real Madrid are without any healthy left back options against Granada on Saturday. Note that Ferland Mendy, who is the first-choice left back, has been out for a week after suffering an injury in the team’s 1-0 win over Sevilla.

But those aren’t the only notable absences from Real Madrid’s official squad for Matchday 8. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was substituted at the half against Brugge due to a gastrointestinal illness, and he will not be playing in this game.

Alphonse Areola, who is on loan from PSG, will get his second starting opportunity of the season after impressing in 90 minutes – and then 45 minutes on Tuesday – last week vs. Osasuna.

Here are four takeaways from the squad, which includes interesting selections in midfield and defensively due to the injuries at left back. Real will also be heavy on the forwards, as two young talents could be getting extended action against Granada, who are right behind Real’s heels in the league table.