Why Eden Hazard, Vinicius Junior, and Isco won’t play at Eibar
Three of Real Madrid’s attacking players were not listed on the official squad for the match at Eibar.
Real Madrid have won four games in a row, including El Derbi and a must-win match in the Champions League vs. Borussia Monchengladbach. This past Tuesday, they took down Athletic Club 3-1, and they will look to have an even more composed performance at the Ipurua against Eibar this Sunday night.
They will have to win without three key attacking players, as Eden Hazard, Vinicius Junior, and Isco were all omitted from the official squad for the match.
COPE’s Arancha Rodriguez provided the details on why each of these three quality attackers will be unavailable at Eibar.
Hazard is out as a decision from the manager, which makes sense. He recently suffered yet another injury, and while he has returned to train with the team, Zinedine Zidane should not take any chances with him. Hazard was brilliant against Eibar twice last season, but Real should be able to win without him.
Rodrygo Goes could start at LW for Real Madrid this Sunday
Meanwhile, his backup at the left winger position, Vinicius Junior, is a more surprising absence. Per Rodriguez, he has gastroenteritis. That means we could finally see Rodrygo Goes at the left wing position, though Zidane may roll with Marco Asensio on the left. Asensio has played well on that side of the formation this season despite a lack of goal contributions in general.
Finally, Isco won’t be playing on Sunday either. He has a knock on his right ankle, and while we can be thankful the injury isn’t serious, the Andalusian has been ruled out of the match as a result. Martin Odegaard is back in the squad, so if Real Madrid want a more attacking midfielder, they can go with the Norwegian star.
Next. 5 key Real Madrid players to watch at Eibar. dark
Rotations are expected from Zidane at Eibar, though Eibar will be a tough team to crack defensively with just 10 goals allowed in 13 matches. Perhaps Rodrygo and Odegaard can be the ones to make a difference in lieu of Hazard, Vinicius, and Isco.