Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how Real Madrid could line up for Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Lille.
Real Madrid could be without goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois for their trip to Lille in the Champions League on Wednesday.
The Belgian stopper was at the centre of attention during their 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid on Sunday night, as missiles were thrown at Courtois from the home end, resulting in the game being briefly halted.
Courtois was ultimately helpless in conceding a late equaliser, but Carlo Ancelotti revealed after the game that the 32-year-old will undergo a late fitness test after sustaining a muscle injury at the Metropolitano.
That could open the door for Andriy Lunin to make his first appearance of the season, and play his first competitive fixture since his horror show for Ukraine against Romania at Euro 2024.
Left-back Fran Garcia also came away from Sunday’s derby with a problem, as Marcos Llorente‘s ugly challenge late on which resulted in his sending off also left the Real Madrid man needing treatment on his Achilles tendon, and he could miss out.
It was confirmed last week that Kylian Mbappe would not be making a return to his homeland for this fixture, as the new signing has been ruled out until after the international break with a thigh injury, meaning he will also miss the weekend visit of Villarreal.
Lille be glad that the French captain is not around to haunt them once more, as the former-Paris Saint-Germain forward contributed to 18 goals in his 14 career appearances against them.
There is no further update on David Alaba‘s progress as he remains out long term, while Dani Ceballos should be back in late October and Brahim Diaz a bit further down the line.
After starting in the derby, Luka Modric is unlikely to be used from the outset again here, with the 39-year-old rarely playing two games in a week now.
Therefore, the return of Eduardo Camavinga is perfectly timed for Ancelotti, as he was an unused substitute on Sunday, and could make his first appearance since the Euro 2024 semi-final here.
A goalscoring impact off the bench on matchday one and the absence of Mbappe has still not seen Endrick promoted to a starter as of yet, and the Brazilian teenager is set to begin as a sub once more, along with fellow youngster Arda Guler, who has since been demoted following the return of Jude Bellingham.
Real Madrid possible starting lineup:
Lunin; Carvajal, Eder Militao, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Camavinga, Tchouameni; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior
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