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Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti takes almost unchanged squad to Mestalla as Los Blancos kick off the busy first period of the season by facing Valencia in La Liga (9 p.m. CEST; 3 p.m. EDT).
Díaz abandons Real Madrid squad for trip to Valencia
The only change for the group that traveled to Italy for Wednesday’s Champions League win against Inter Milan is the absence of Mariano Díaz. The Dominican international striker was unable to train with the squad on Saturday due to a groin problem.
Madrid have four games in ten days – Sundays clash in Mestalla, followed by three consecutive matches at the Bernabéu: against Real Mallorca (Wednesday 22) and Villarreal (Saturday 25) in La Liga, and against FC Sheriff in Europe (Tuesday 28).
Ancelotti shouldn’t sound the changes at Mestalla
Speaking on Saturday, Ancelotti said he anticipated “a demanding game because Valencia are playing well, they are in good shape and they are full of confidence”. Italian is should make few changes to his line-up.
The defense will probably be the same as in San Siro, with Éder Militao and David Alaba at center-back, and Dani Carvajal and Nacho Fernández at right and left-back, respectively.
In midfield, doubt over selection is whether Luka Modric will play. Ancelotti had suggested the Croatian could rest against Inter, but ultimately lined him up in his starting lineup. Modric could give way to Eduardo Camavinga against Valencia, however, after the Frenchman impressed with a goal and an assist in his first two appearances for Madrid, both as a substitute.
In attack, Karim Benzema and Vinícius Júnior set to start, with Eden Hazard or Rodrygo Goes likely to fill the last place in the front row.
Valencia vs Real Madrid: a possible starting line-up
Real Madrid’s potential XI against Valencia: Courteous; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Nacho; Valverde, Casemiro, Modric / Camavinga; Hazard / Rodrygo, Benzema and Vinicius.
On the bench, Ancelotti should have: Lunin, Fuidias, Vallejo, Gutiérrez, Blanco, Isco, Modric / Camavinga, Asensio, Vázquez, Hazard / Rodrygo and Jovic.
In addition to Díaz, Real Madrid also Marcelo, Ferland Mendy, Toni Kroos, Dani Ceballos and Gareth Bale unavailable due to injury.
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