Ancelotti balances selection ahead of Arsenal clash as injured stars return and Madrid head to Alavés without their coach on the bench.
Real Madrid visit Alavés on Sunday evening knowing that their league campaign has taken a back seat to the looming task at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday.
Trailing Arsenal 3–0 after the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, Carlo Ancelotti‘s side approach tonight’s fixture with rotation and recovery in mind.
There is cautious good news for them on the injury front. Dani Ceballos, who has been out since February 26 with a hamstring and tendon injury sustained in the Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Sociedad, has been included in the travelling squad.
Initially described as ‘almost impossible’ for him to return against Arsenal, Ceballos completed training over the weekend without setback and has earned a place for tonight’s match in Vitoria.
David Alaba has also travelled after overcoming muscle overload in his right thigh, picked up in the defeat at the Emirates. Though his inclusion does not guarantee minutes, his availability is a significant development ahead of the midweek clash with Mikel Arteta’s side.
Ferland Mendy and Andriy Lunin remain unavailable and did not train with the group on Friday. Mendy, who has not recovered from a hamstring injury, is out of contention for both the league fixture and the second leg. Lunin is expected to return next week but misses this match.
Carlo Ancelotti, serving a touchline ban for yellow card accumulation, will not be on the bench against Alavés. His absence is unlikely to distract from the larger challenge ahead: plotting a historic Champions League comeback at home against Arsenal.