Real Madrid may hold out two key players against Real Betis
After dropping points this past weekend against Getafe, Real Madrid got back to their winning ways, making a statement at the Estadio Ramon de Carranza when they defeated Cadiz 3-0. Los Blancos had lost to Cadiz 1-0 earlier this season, so this win, especially amidst a lot of vitriol for their president’s foolish actions, felt good.
And it felt especially good in the context of who was missing. Raphael Varane returned after recovering from COVID-19, but Real Madrid were still missing Sergio Ramos in central defense, Ferland Mendy at left back, Eden Hazard in attack, and both Toni Kroos and Luka Modric in midfield.
The absence of the midfielders loomed largest, as Real nearly lost to Elche without them in the starting XI. But this time, Real secured all three points and played extremely well, with prospect Antonio Blanco stepping up big-time in his first-ever start.
Real Madrid could miss Modric and Kroos again this weekend when they face Real Betis at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano.
Real Madrid are set to rest Toni Kroos once more
According to a report from Agustin Martin of AS, Los Merengues have already “practically” ruled Toni Kroos out of the match, as Zinedine Zidane wants the world-class midfielder 100 percent for next Tuesday’s Champions League fixture vs. Chelsea.
Modric, who recently tweaked his back, could also be held out. But whereas Kroos is almost certainly out, Modric could still play, based on how things go during Friday’s training session. Zidane wants to be cautious, per the report. And so far in his tenure at Real Madrid, he has usually leaned on the side of caution with his players.
Though it is hard to bench Modric. He is crucial to this team. Real Betis are formidable opponents, as they are in the thick of the Europa League race. Los Verdiblancos will be without their own star chance-creator, Nabil Fekir, so that is at least one “boost” the Royal Whites can carry into La Liga’s Matchday 32.
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Keep an eye on Modric’s status before Saturday night’s match, but don’t expect to see him out there. The Chelsea game is clearly on Zidane’s mind, as Thomas Tuchel has turned that club into serious contenders.