Real Madrid’s Selection Dilemmas Ahead of El Clasico Showdown

As Real Madrid prepares to face Barcelona in the upcoming El Clasico, the team faces several key player absences, with Eder Militao, Thibaut Courtois, and Dani Ceballos sidelined due to injuries. Despite these setbacks, coach Carlo Ancelotti has several options at his disposal for the high-stakes clash.

Jude Bellingham has confirmed his recovery from injury, adding to Ancelotti’s choices for the match. The Real Madrid dressing room reportedly believes that Eduardo Camavinga will be given the nod in defense ahead of Ferland Mendy and Fran Garcia, as he was in recent games against Napoli and Girona.

Additionally, Toni Kroos is poised to secure a starting spot in the midfield, along with Bellingham, Fede Valverde, and Aurelien Tchouameni, with their positions seemingly assured. Camavinga’s inclusion in the defense leaves Luka Modric as his primary competition, but all indications point to Kroos getting the nod.

Kroos has been rested and utilized as a starter in numerous significant matches this season, including encounters with Real Sociedad, Sevilla, Napoli, Girona, and Atletico Madrid. His excellent statistical season includes sharing the top spot in the assists chart with Bellingham, leading in chances created (26), successful long passes (50), and boasting the highest pass accuracy in the squad at 95.3%. He also recently played a crucial role in Dani Carvajal’s decisive goal against Sevilla.

The primary question mark for Ancelotti remains whether to start Rodrygo Goes or Joselu Mato up front. Rodrygo’s goal against Braga is likely to boost his confidence and strengthen his claim for the starting position, which he may have held anyway.