UCL: Real Madrid to miss four players against Braga
Real Madrid will be without the services of four first-team players for Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Braga in Portugal.
Los Blancos remain without Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao due to long-term knee injuries, with the latter not expected back until March at the very earliest, while the former faces a battle to return before the end of the campaign.
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Arda Guler’s wait for his Real Madrid debut goes on, meanwhile, with this match coming too soon for the Turkey international, who is in the latter stages of his recovery from a thigh issue.
Dani Ceballos became the latest Los Blancos player to pick up an injury last week, with the Spain international suffering a muscular issue during a training session ahead of the 1-1 draw with Sevilla at the weekend.
David Alaba came through Saturday’s clash with Sevilla unscathed after returning from a groin problem, though, and he should continue in the middle of the defence.
There is also a return to the squad for Nacho, who is currently serving a domestic suspension.
Head coach Carlo Ancelotti again has big decisions to make in midfield, with Toni Kroos and Luka Modric battling for starting roles, while it remains to be seen whether Fran Garcia, Ferland Mendy or indeed Eduardo Camavinga operate at left-back.
Ancelotti also has a huge call in the final third of the field, with Rodrygo and Joselu battling to play alongside Vinicius Junior as part of a front two.
“It would be good to win again tomorrow. We know Braga play a good football, we have to control the game. Defending will be important,” the Real Madrid head coach told reporters during his pre-match press conference.
Real Madrid are currently top of their Champions League section, picking up six points from an available six due to back-to-back wins over Union Berlin and Napoli.
Los Blancos have the small matter of a league game with Barcelona this weekend, but Ancelotti has insisted that El Clasico is not currently on their mind.
“We have not talked about El Clssico yet. We are focusing on tomorrow’s game, the most important right now,” he added. “Rotations ahead of El Clasico? No but I won’t use the same XI we used vs. Sevilla. I have to evaluate the players who are tired after the break, some took knocks against Sevilla… so we will see.”
Real Madrid have won 10, drawn one and lost one of their 12 matches in all competitions during a strong start to the 2023-24 campaign.