Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is facing a major selection headache ahead of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg clash with Atletico Madrid on March 4.
Los Blancos welcome their cross-city rivals to the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu as part of a packed schedule with the pair also fighting it out in the La Liga title race.
Ancelotti’s charges slipped to a 2-1 weekend defeat away at Real Betis as Diego Simeone’s title-chasers followed that up with a 1-0 home win over Athletic Club.
MORE: Ancelotti fires Champions League warning after Real Madrid title stumble
Ancelotti has warned his players that he expects a reaction in the coming days as a repeat standard of performance could end their European title defence in 2025.
Despite some improvements in his defensive injury crisis – with David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger back fit – Ancelotti may now need to shuffle his midfield options.
Jude Bellingham completed the final game of his two-match ban by missing out against Real Betis, but the England international will also be absent against Los Rojiblancos, due to yellow card accumulation in the Champions League this season.
Ancelotti had strategized for Bellingham’s absence, but there is now a major concern over Fede Valverde, who missed the trip to Andalucia through injury.
The Uruguayan’s injury was played down by Ancelotti before the game, with the veteran coach stating he would be OK for the midweek clash with Simeone.
However, as per reports from Diario AS, Valverde did not take part in a recovery training session today – which he was expected to – with the club medics advising that he train alone.
Afresh update is expected on when he can return to training within the next 24 hours, but there is ‘growing concern’ over whether he will be back in time for Tuesday.
Dani Ceballos has been ruled out for two months through injury – with Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga taking two of Ancelotti’s midfield spots – alongside a late call on Valverde for the third.
If he is ruled out, Ancelotti could risk a more attacking option in Brahim Diaz in No.10 role – or ask 39-year-old Luka Modric to play two games inside three days – after captaining the team at Real Betis.
