Following the end of the year’s final international break, Real Madrid are set to resume their campaign this weekend as they take on Leganes.
It is a must-win game for Los Blancos, as they look to capitalise on Barcelona’s shock defeat to Real Sociedad earlier in the month.
However, heading into this game, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is facing familiar problems, with multiple star players ruled out due to injuries.
Keeping that in mind, a recent report from June Lavin has offered a comprehensive outlook on how Ancelotti might set up his team against Leganes this weekend.
First and foremost, Ancelotti has a serious problem in the right-back position, with both Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez ruled out due to injuries.
As a result, the Italian tactician is likely to deploy Federico Valverde in the right-back position. The Uruguayan international doesn’t quite enjoy playing at right-back, but he is willing to sacrifice his comfort for the team.
Elsewhere in defence, Ancelotti could hand Raul Asencio a start in central defence, following the youngster’s impressive cameo against Osasuna.
With Valverde operating in defence and Aurelien Tchouameni out injured, Ancelotti is likely to set up a midfield trifecta consisting of Luka Modric, Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga.
The onus will be on Camavinga to hold the fort in the defensive midfield slot, with additional support from the veteran Modric.
Bellingham will operate in a more advanced role, hoping to add to his tally after his scoring first goal of the season against Osasuna.