Real Madrid defender ready to return from injury, start at Real Valladolid?
One of Real Madrid’s club legends could finally make his first start of the 2020-2021 season this Wednesday vs. Real Valladolid.
Real Madrid started Ferland Mendy at left back in their first two games of the season against Real Sociedad and Real Betis. Mendy played well in both games, particularly against Sociedad, recording a jaw-dropping four interceptions, per WhoScored.com.
Fans wondered if Marcelo could make his first start of the season this past Saturday against Real Betis, but he was dropped from the squad due to back issues. Therefore, Mendy got the start again, recording two dribbles completed, as Real Madrid squeaked past Betis 3-2 at the Benito Villamarin.
According to a report from Sergio Lopez de Vicente of AS, Marcelo has returned to training after being unable to travel to Seville for Matchday 3. There is reportedly a “positive” feeling about his availability for Wednesday’s home opener against Real Valladolid.
Real Madrid will need to rotate heavily this week, as they are on short rest against Valladolid and then will have to travel again to face Levante over the weekend.
Marcelo could start for Real Madrid to give Ferland Mendy rest
Therefore, Mendy could be rested for Marcelo, if he is fully healthy, to help ease the workload on the starting left back. After a sensational first season in Madrid, Mendy has become the starter – not just the player of the future – for Los Blancos at the left back position.
But as Barcelona can attest from his performance against them in the most recent Clasico, Marcelo is still a force to be reckoned with. Real Madrid looked much more dangerous in the attack against Betis on Saturday, so if Marcelo starts vs. Valladolid, it will be exciting to see how his technical quality and creativity on the left add to the Blancos’ attack.
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It’s great to hear that Marcelo is feeling better, back in training, and expected to be available. We have to savor every opportunity we get to watch his magic on the pitch.