Real Madrid: 5 takeaways from official squad vs. Eibar

Brahim, Rodrygo could start

With Gareth Bale and Marco Asensio potentially getting eased into the action after returning from injuries and Lucas Vazquez out with his own injury, Brahim Diaz and Rodrygo Goes are potential starters for Real Madrid on Sunday.

While it’s more likely for Asensio and Bale to start and sub each other off at some point in the match, Rodrygo and Brahim are both in the squad and could get their chance.

Rodrygo has been given opportunities to impress this season, and while he did fade after an initially excellent first couple of months, his quality is clear. He will be asked to appear more for the first team due to the increased squads.

As for Brahim, he scored in the Copa del Rey and has obvious quality. He will look to seize his opportunities, because he may finally have to accept a loan deal in 2020-2021.

Gareth Bale and Marco Asensio are officially ready

Real Madrid fans have been waiting months for Marco Asensio’s return from an ACL tear, and the stoppage in play has enabled Asensio to return for a significant chunk of the season. Asensio is expected to be a regular starter for Madrid in the coming weeks, though Zidane will look to ease him into the action.

Bale won’t be guaranteed anything on the strength of his name value or potential for greatness, but nobody is giving up on the Wales international yet. Health and consistency have become concerns with Bale, but he has one final chance to show his value. And that’s all the more important to Real, since moving his wages could prove to be impossible. Expect both men to play on Sunday.