Zinedine Zidane has several injury problems ahead of the crucial trip to Vigo, to face Celta in the second leg of the quarter-finals of Copa del Rey (Learn here how to watch the game in live streaming). Los Blancos need to win after the shocking defeat at Santiago Bernabéu one week away. And they have to do it without many key players.
Zizou’s main problems are in the defense line. Raphael Varane didn’t travel to Galicia and Pepe continues out of the squad. Besides, Dani Carvajal will be out of the pitch one month, whereas Marcelo got injured against Málaga and will miss the clash against Napoli. Taking this in consideration, the only available players are Coentrao, Danilo, Nacho and Sergio Ramos.
However, the manager, and the supporters, doesn’t trust Fabio Coentrao, who has only played against Cultural Leonesa and Sporting Lisbon without many success. Danilo had physical problems in the last weeks and he’s been whistled by Real Madrid supporters, and defended by Zidane. Nevertheless, the Brazilian should start at Balaídos. Another option for the defense line is Lucas Vázquez, who played as a right back in the last home game, although he’d have to defend Iago Aspas, the most dangerous player of Celta de Vigo.
Zidane had to look into the youngster squad to look for some defenders. Castilla manager, Iván Ramis, said on Twitter that Zidane should count on the youngsters more and mentioned the name of Achraf Hakimi. One day later, he’s in the list to Vigo.
Problemas con laterales? Achraf. Problemas en el centro del campo? Aleix Febas. Reviento si no lo digo. Hala Madrid!!!
— Luis Miguel Ramis (@LuisMiguelRamis) January 22, 2017
Hakimi, the Lion of the Atlas
Who is Achraf Hakimi? Many Real Madrid supporters should be wondering who is this new player. Achraf was born in Madrid (4-11-1998) but his parent are from Morocco. Actually, he has already played with the Moroccan national team, making his debut in the 11th of October against Canada.
Achraf Hakimi plays as a right back and he’s been playing with Castilla the whole season with great performances. The defender also called Zidane’s attention in summer, and he travelled with the team to the USA and he even played some minutes against PSG. His nickname, ‘The Lion of the Atlas’, shows his power and his strength. Now, he can show off with the first time in a difficult game.
