Real Madrid will be without star striker Karim Benzema for tonight’s derby against Atletico.
A trip to neighbours Atletico Madrid this evening promises to be a big test for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, who have won every game this season in defence of their LaLiga and European crowns.
But Benzema sits out the Wanda Metropolitano clash after he picked up an injury at Celtic in the Champions League.
Lucas Vazquez will also have to wait until after the international break to make his comeback although Real have been boosted by the return of Eder Militao to training.
Antonio Rudiger makes way for the Brazilian if he is confirmed as fit and Ferland Mendy comes in for Nacho at the back.
Late goals from Fede Valverde and Marco Asensio sealed a win over RB Leipzig in midweek and Carlo Ancelotti is set to keep the Uruguayan midfielder in his line-up.
Toni Kroos starts ahead of Aurelien Tchouameni in an otherwise settled XI. Eden Hazard and Asensio are on the bench.
Confirmed team news
📋✅ Our derby starting XI!#AtletiRealMadrid pic.twitter.com/y44vTVulJl
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) September 18, 2022
Real Madrid XI: Courtois, Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Mendy, Tchouameni, Kroos, Modric, Valverde, Vinicius, Rodrygo
Subs: Lunin, Luis Lopez, Vallejo, Nacho, Hazard, Asensio, Camavinga, Odrioziola, Ceballos, Rudiger, Mariano
