Real Madrid will be without two stars at Real Betis

Real Madrid are getting prepared to face Real Betis at the Benito Villamarin on Sunday night, but they must do so without two key starters.

After defeating FC Barcelona in El Clasico last weekend, Real Madrid feel that La Liga is theirs to lose. The only thing standing in their way is themselves, as Los Blancos are now the clear favorites to win the league after dominating their bitter rivals at the Santiago Bernabeu on Matchday 26.

Although their Matchday 27 opponents, Real Betis, reside in the bottom half of the league table, they are no pushovers. With players like Nabil Fekir, Emerson, and Joaquín in their ranks, Betis have more than enough talent to pull an upset in front of their fans.

Real Madrid will have to face Betis without two important starters, too, Isco has been out of training recently due to back spasms, while Dani Carvajal is suffering from the flu.

Neither player was named in the 19-man squad for Sunday’s road game against Real Betis, per a tweet from Real Madrid’s official account.

Isco has been Real’s best player over the past couple of weeks. He was a bright spot against both Levante and Manchester City, creating copious chances in midfield against both opponents while scoring Real’s lone goal in the Champions League defeat. A big-game player, Isco was also fantastic against Barcelona in the Clasico, confirming that he is indeed back to his best.

Although Isco will be missed, James Rodriguez is capable of shining as a center attacking midfielder in his place in the squad. Luka Modric and Toni Kroos could also make a rare start together, with one of them starting as the No. 10.

Meanwhile, Carvajal will be more difficult for Los Blancos to replace. The star right back struggled against City but had a massive bounce-back performance in El Clasico, shutting down Barcelona’s attack in a performance that reminded fans he’s one of the best in the world.

Carvajal and top backup right back Nacho Fernandez are both omissions from the matchday squad due to illness. Therefore, Real will be forced to start either young center back Eder Militao at right back or veteran right winger Lucas Vazquez in the defensive position. Both men are capable of playing there, but they will be challenged by a dangerous Betis attack that will likely feature the technically proficient Nabil Fekir on the left side.

Los Blancos are still heavy favorites to win, but these two injuries mean the whole squad will have to continue to show the resiliency of champions this weekend.