After their 3-3 draw against Manchester City, Real Madrid is shifting its focus back to La Liga, where they are set to face RCD Mallorca over the weekend.
With the second leg against Man City looming shortly after the Mallorca match, Carlo Ancelotti is expected to make significant changes to his lineup for the league fixture.
Reports from COPE indicate that Eder Militao is likely to make his first start in eight months when Real Madrid takes on Mallorca.
Ancelotti’s plan is to carefully assess the Brazilian defender’s fitness and match readiness ahead of the crucial Champions League clash against Manchester City.
Militao had been sidelined with a serious knee injury since the beginning of the season and only recently made his return to action, featuring as a late substitute against Athletic Club. However, he was not included in the lineup for the clash against Manchester City.
Now, with Aurelien Tchouameni suspended for the return leg at the Etihad, Ancelotti faces a decision between Militao and Nacho as Antonio Rudiger’s defensive partner.
Ancelotti expressed his intention to play either Nacho or Militao and emphasized the importance of a straightforward, face-to-face approach in the upcoming fixture against Manchester City.
To assess Militao’s readiness for the challenge, Ancelotti plans to field him against Mallorca and evaluate his performance before making a final decision for the Champions League encounter.
This strategic move allows Ancelotti to gauge Militao’s form and fitness in a competitive setting, providing valuable insight into his suitability for the high-stakes European fixture.
The inclusion of Militao in the starting lineup against Mallorca signifies a pivotal moment for the defender, who has worked tirelessly to overcome his injury setback and regain his place in the team.
Ancelotti’s decision reflects the trust and confidence he has in Militao’s abilities, as well as the importance of having a fully fit and prepared squad for crucial matches.
As Real Madrid prepares for a demanding fixture schedule, Ancelotti’s rotation policy and strategic squad management will play a vital role in their pursuit of success in both domestic and European competitions.
The match against Mallorca serves as an opportunity for Militao to prove his worth and stake his claim for a starting berth against Manchester City.
