Ancelotti’s biggest dilemma vs Villarreal – Rest stars or risk Real Madrid’s La Liga hopes?
Real Madrid endured an incredibly intense and physically draining battle against Atletico Madrid in their recent fixture.
The team spent 120 minutes giving everything they had, covering a staggering 139 kilometres collectively.
Hence, it was given that the relentless effort and high-pressure moments took a toll on the players, leaving them exhausted.
Yet, there is no time to rest or dwell on their hard-fought victory, as another crucial challenge awaits them in La Liga against Villarreal this Saturday.
Despite their extraordinary effort in the Champions League quarterfinals, Real Madrid cannot afford to slow down.
The official injury report following the Atletico clash only lists Ferland Mendy as a confirmed absentee due to a muscle injury in his left leg.
However, several other key players showed clear signs of fatigue and discomfort, pushing themselves to the limit during the game.
Several players are at risk
Among those struggling were Kylian Mbappe, Federico Valverde, and Raul Asensio, all of whom were close to requesting substitutions at different points in the match.
Their determination kept them on the field, but it is evident that their bodies took a significant hit from the demanding encounter.
Now, Carlo Ancelotti must make some crucial decisions regarding his squad selection. Managing player fitness will be essential, and rotations seem inevitable to avoid further injuries while maintaining a competitive edge.
With such a tight turnaround, Real Madrid may have to turn to Castilla for reinforcements, but that approach presents its own challenges.
Villarreal are currently in fifth place and will not be an easy opponent. A mixture of experienced players and fresh legs could be the best way forward, but balancing the squad while ensuring victory is no simple task.
Changes needed
Injuries remain a concern. Asensio experienced pain in his left knee after a challenge in the second half against Atletico Madrid, raising doubts about his availability for the upcoming fixture.
David Alaba is also under observation, and his condition remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Vinicius Jr., who was absent from the pre-match training session, could also be a doubt for the match against Villarreal.
Federico Valverde, often seen as an unbreakable force in the midfield, once again demonstrated his resilience. However, even he is not immune to fatigue, and his workload must be managed carefully.
Mbappe, who entered the match with an existing knock, pushed himself beyond his limits.
He even required the help of the team’s physiotherapist for a brief period before taking his penalty in the shootout, further indicating his physical struggles.
If he does not recover in time, young Brazilian sensation Endrick could find himself with a golden opportunity to step up and make an impact in his absence.
There is more
Adding to Real Madrid’s concerns, Jude Bellingham continues to deal with shoulder issues, and Antonio Rudiger, who has already racked up an incredible 3,390 minutes this season, might also need some rest.
The medical team and Ancelotti must assess the situation carefully before making critical squad decisions for the remainder of the La Liga campaign.
With so many uncertainties surrounding the squad, this fixture will be another major test for Real Madrid. Ancelotti must strike the right balance between resting key players and fielding a competitive team capable of securing all three points.
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