Real Madrid: 5 defenders out, 2 expected to play at Granada despite injury scares
Real Madrid have another difficult La Liga match in a few days. After drawing 2-2 with Sevilla following a last-gasp deflection goal by substitute Eden Hazard, Los Blancos must travel to Granada to take on a team hoping to qualify for the Europa League for a second year in a row.
Los Blancos defeated Granada earlier this season, but they will find their upcoming league opponents to be a bigger challenge on the road. And once more, questions will be asked of the defense due to the ever-present injuries.
COPE’s Miguel Angel Diaz tweeted out a Monday morning injury update for Granada following Sunday night’s match vs. Sevilla. He states that in addition to Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez (out for the season), Los Blancos will not get Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane, or Ferland Mendy back in the lineup.
Real Madrid reportedly won’t have Ferland Mendy back at Granada
Ramos’ injury could very well cost him the rest of the season. Meanwhile, Varane had a slight chance of playing against Granada, but he was never really likely to play. He could return at San Mames or at home against Villarreal.
Mendy’s injury is the tough one, because Madridistas hoped their star left back would be able to play. Now, Zinedine Zidane has a decision to make against Granada between the struggling veteran Marcelo or the promising young fullback Miguel Gutierrez.
On the bright side, Marcelo can indeed be an option despite receiving a knock to his knee against Sevilla. He could be seen moving more gingerly in the second half, but it sounds like he should be able to play. That said, maybe the knock leads Zidane to lean in the direction of Gutierrez’s first start.
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And another bright note is the only remaining right back, Alvaro Odriozola, is also expected to play despite having some thigh discomfort after the match.
Real Madrid will face Granada at 4 p.m. ET, 22:00 CET this Thursday, May 13.