After last night’s drama-filled showdown between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid at the Montjuic, another huge match is waiting for us at the Reale Arena where Real Sociedad will host Real Madrid for the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals.
‘Los Blancos’ count several major absences from their squad, with Kylian Mbappe arguably being the biggest one. The French superstar will be missing due to a toothache that also ruled him out from Tuesday’s training session with the group.
Real Madrid head coach Ancelotti will also be deprived of the services of Courtois and Valverde due to minor injuries. The Italian manager has opted to rest the dup amid a busy schedule coming up for the ‘Merengues’, who take on Betis on Saturday in La Liga.
As for the home side, Agyuerd and Sucic are set to sit out the first leg after picking up injuries in Sunday’s 3-0 win over Leganes, joining Pacheco and Traore in the treatment room. But there is also good news for the ‘Txuri-Urdin’ as Zubeldia and Becker are both back from suspension.
Possible lineups for Real Sociedad v Real Madrid
Real Sociedad’s possible starting XI (4-3-3): Remiro (GK); Aramburu, Zubeldia, Aguerd, Lopez; Zubimendi, Mendez, Marin; Barrenetxea, Oyarzabal, Kubo.
Real Madrid’s possible starting XI (4-3-2-1): Lunin (GK); Vazquez, Asencio, Rudiger, Garcia; Ceballos, Tchouameni; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Brahim; Vinicius.