Possible Real Madrid lineup for the clash in Cádiz

Real Madrid are back in action on Sunday night after the recent international break as they face Cadiz away. The FIFA window saw two key players suffer injuries with neither Camavinga and Vinicius expected to play again in 2023. Both players are now eyeing a return at Spanish Super Cup, which takes place mid-January.

Both join an extensive line of casualties (Kepa, Lunin, Militao, Tchouameni, Camavinga, Arda Güler and Vinicius) that leaves Ancelotti with only 16 players available from the first team. The Italian coach has been forced to call-up five youth team players: Mario Martín – who played 90 minutes with Castilla this Saturday –, Nico Paz, Gonzalo and the goalkeepers Diego Piñeiro and Fran.

The good news for Ancelotti is the return of Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos back. The top scorer for the club this season (10 goals in the league and 3 in the Champions League) missed the last two games, against Braga and Valencia, due to a dislocated left shoulder.

Ceballos suffered another injury at the start of the season and is now ready to kick start his season after just managing 73 minutes spread over four games in the 2023-24 campaign to date. Rüdiger also returns with the German missing the match against Valencia due to suspension.

The accumulation of casualties which mainly impacts the center of the park, leaves Ancelotti little room for maneuver. Kroos is set to be accompanied with Modric and Valverde (who has only completed two training sessions with the team). Joselu, will lead the line with support from Joselu and Rodrygo.

The probable XI for Carlo Ancelotti against Cádiz will see: Lunin; Carvajal, Rüdiger, Alaba, Mendy; Valverde, Kroos, Modric; Bellingham; Rodrygo and Joselu.