Real Madrid have gone with a 4-4-2 for today’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Chelsea,
Ernesto Valverde joins Los Blancos’ regular trio of Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Casemiro in the four-man midfield, leaving Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior up front.
Eden Hazard has been denied a return to Stamford Bridge for the quarter-final first leg following more ankle surgery, while fellow midfielder Isco has a back problem and striker Luka Jovic is sidelined due to ankle trouble.
Madrid have no other injury worries at present, allowing Ancelotti to select a strong line-up for a heavyweight clash and repeat of last season’s semi-finals.
In fact, it is the coach himself who was the biggest doubt after contracting Covid-19 last week.
However, Ancelotti senior is now due to take the reins back from son and assistant Davide tonight after finally testing negative for coronavirus on Wednesday morning.
Ancelotti was ruled out of the win over Celta Vigo due to the virus and remained under isolation orders, with Davide stepping into the role at Balaidos.
Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Mendy; Valverde; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Benzema, Vinicius.
Subs: Lunin, Toni, Vallejo, Nacho, Asensio, Marcelo, Vazquez, Bale, Ceballos, Rodrygo, Mariano, Camavinga.
