Real Madrid will assess the fitness of defender Antonio Rudiger for Sunday’s LaLiga clash against Atletico Madrid, as stated by manager Carlo Ancelotti on Saturday.
The German international, with 21 league appearances for Real Madrid this season, exited early due to injury in Thursday’s 2-0 victory against Getafe.
“He’s improved a lot in the last few days. I expect the same improvement between today and tomorrow,” Ancelotti told reporters. “It’s a muscle strain. He will be in the squad and I will decide tomorrow if he plays or not.”
In the event of Rudiger’s unavailability on Sunday, Real’s manager cited Eduardo Camavinga, Ferland Mendy, and Dani Carvajal as potential alternatives.
“Camavinga can also play as a centre-back. He brings the ball out very quickly, he is quick and strong in tackles,” he said.
“All three options give me confidence and I think they can do very well tomorrow.”
Real Madrid will be without defensive midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni in the derby against Atletico due to suspension, having accumulated five yellow cards. Ancelotti downplayed Barcelona president Joan Laporta’s claim that Real influences referees through their TV channel.
“I’m a professional and as a professional I don’t want to drop this level out of respect for Spanish football… I don’t want to go down to a level that is not for professionals,” the Madrid manager said.
Real Madrid, leading with 57 points from 22 matches, holds a 10-point advantage over Atletico and Barcelona. Eager to avenge their 3-1 league defeat to Atletico last September, Real aims for a crucial win.