Jakarta –
Real Madrid lost 10 players before the last game LaLiga this year against Athletic Bilbao. The causes vary, ranging from infection COVID-19 to injury.
Marca reported that David Alaba is currently still waiting for the results of the PCR test, to find out whether he has tested positive for COVID-19 or not. But the Austrian defender has been omitted from the squad.
Alaba follows Gareth Bale, Isco, Marcelo, Rodrygo, and reserve goalkeeper Andriy Lunin who have already been exposed to the Corona virus.
Dani Carvajal is out with a muscle injury, while Dani Ceballos is still recovering from an ankle injury and is expected to return to play early next year. Casemiro has been suspended for yellow card accumulation, and Luka Modric is not ready to appear after being hit COVID-19.
Coach Madrid Carlo Ancelotti admits his team is in a difficult situation, but this is actually a moment for other players to steal the opportunity to put on a good performance, especially those who rarely play.
“The match will be entertaining but also difficult. At San Mamés, a place where the fans create an atmosphere that I like,” said Ancelotti, as quoted by Madrid’s official website.
“There are a number of players who are absent, but it can be an opportunity to show the quality of the squad as a whole. We will prepare for the game well and try to win as usual,” explained Don Carlo.
Bilbao vs Madrid will be held on Thursday (12/23) at 03.30 WIB. El Real is still leading the Spanish League standings with 43 points from 18 matches, while Bilbao is ninth with 24 points from 18 matches.
Madrid squad prepared against Bilbao
Kiper: Thibaut Courtois, Toni Fuidias, Diego Pineiro.
Bek: Nacho Fernandez, Eder Militao, Jesus Vallejo, Lucas Vazquez, Ferland Mendy, Rafa Marin, Miguel Gutierrez.
Midfielders: Toni Kroos, Eduardo Camavinga, Fede Valverde, Antonio Blanco, Sergio Arribas.
Forwards: Karim Benzema, Vinicius Junior, Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic, Mariano Diaz, Peter Gonzalez.
(adp/mrp)
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