After their intense Champions League battle against Atlético de Madrid, Real Madrid now shifts its focus back to LaLiga, where they are locked in a fierce title race with Barcelona. However, the upcoming match against Villarreal presents a dilemma for manager Carlo Ancelotti.
With the season entering a critical phase, the Italian coach is reportedly considering resting four of his key players: Antonio Rüdiger, Fede Valverde, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappé. Each of these players has been experiencing discomfort, and Ancelotti must decide whether to prioritize their recovery or risk playing them in a match that could have major implications for the title race.
These four stars have been instrumental in Real Madrid’s success this season, delivering match-winning performances across various competitions. Rüdiger has been a rock at the back, Valverde’s energy and versatility have been vital in midfield, Bellingham has shone as one of Madrid’s top goal-scoring threats, and Mbappé, despite recent fitness concerns, remains one of the biggest attacking weapons in world football.
Given their importance, resting them could be a wise decision to prevent further physical strain. However, it also raises concerns about Madrid’s ability to secure a victory without some of their best players on the pitch.
Ancelotti faces a challenging balancing act. On one hand, preserving these players could be beneficial in the long run, ensuring that they remain fit for the final stretch of the season. On the other hand, Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points in LaLiga, especially with Barcelona keeping up the pressure in the title race.
The absence of these key figures could weaken the team against a Villarreal side that has proven capable of competing with top clubs. This makes the decision even more difficult, as Madrid must weigh the risks of resting key players against the potential damage of losing crucial points.
Injuries have already plagued Real Madrid throughout this campaign, making squad management a top priority. Ancelotti knows that taking unnecessary risks with players who are not fully fit could have serious consequences.
At the same time, with the FIFA international break approaching, he must consider how these players will be affected by additional playing time with their national teams. Managing their workload carefully is essential to ensuring that Madrid remains competitive across all fronts.
Ultimately, Ancelotti’s choice will depend on his assessment of the players’ fitness and the importance of securing a result against Villarreal. While resting them might be the safest option, the pressure to keep pace in LaLiga could force Madrid to gamble with their participation.
