Real Madrid travel to the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterraneos tonight to take on lowly Almeria but facing an injury crisis after the international break.
Sami Khedira was the biggest casualty, rupturing his knee ligaments in Germany’s friendly with Italy, leaving Carlo Ancelotti with a decision to make as to who should replace him – a similar place such as Asier Illarramendi or Casemiro, or a change in formation to fit Isco in.
Madrid also have problems at left-back too with Marcelo and Fabio Coentrao missing. Xabi Alonso should be fit after picking up an ankle knock with Spain, while Angel di Maria has been ruled out.
What is not in doubt will be the front three – the BBC trio of Bale, Benzema and Cristiano. SInce the loss in the Clasico at the end of October, they have formed a devastating attacking unit, helping the team score 15 goals in their last three league games.
Almeria took until the 11th round of matches to secure their first win of the campaign, and sit in 17th in the table. Since then they have also recorded victories over Valladollid and Osasuna, and will be hopeful of taking advantage of any weakness in Madrid’s somewhat shaky defence of late. Attacking midfielder Suso, on loan from Liverpool, has linked up well with Francisco Rodriguez, and should provide Sergio Ramos and Pepe with plenty to think about.
Probable lineups:
Almeria: Esteban, Dubarbier, Torsiglieri, Trujillo, Pellerano, Oliviera, Suso, Azeez, Verza, Vidal, Rodri
Real Madrid: Lopez, Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Arbeloa, Illarra, Modric, Bale, Isco, Ronaldo, Benzema
