Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti will be unable to go with the same starting XI that downed Barcelona for today’s Supercopa de Espana clash with Athletic Club.
Dani Carvajal misses the match in Saudi Arabia after testing positive for Covid-19, leading to Lucas Vazquez getting a call-up at right-back.
Marco Asensio is also absent after missing the final training session with a muscle problem, and the Spaniard is replaced by Rodrygo in attack. He plays alongside Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema, who both caused Barcelona so many problems in the semi-final.
At the back, David Alaba has passed a late fitness test and starts from the off. Jesus Vallejo is unavailable, with Gareth Bale and Mariano Diaz left in Madrid due to injury issues.
Real Madrid XI: Courtois, Vazquez, Militao, Alaba, Mendy, Casemiro, Kroos, Modric, Rodrygo, Vinicius, Benzema
Subs: Lunin, Fuidias, Nacho, Hazard, Marcelo, Valverde, Jovic, Ceballos, Isco, Camavinga
Date: Sunday, January 16, 2022. 6.30pm kick-off. BT Sport.
Venue: King Fahd Stadium, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
