There are a couple of key players absent from the Real Madrid squad for the Club World Cup semi-final. Meanwhile, manager Carlo Ancelotti has already confirmed the squad.
During Wednesday’s semi-finals, Real Madrid will face Egyptian side Al Ahly. A faceoff against Flamengo or Al Hilal is on the cards if Real Madrid wins.
There will be a number of players not making the trip to Rabat, the Moroccan capital, for Ancelotti’s squad trip to Morocco. Thibaut Courtois, Karim Benzema, and Eden Hazard have not traveled with the squad, as have Eder Militao, Lucas Vazquez, and Ferland Mendy.
Will Benzema, Courtois’s absence affect Real Madrid?
In the recent 2-0 win over Valencia, Courtois suffered a groin strain while Benzema suffered a leg injury. Real could, however, bring both players back if they reach the finals. As a result of the recent winter World Cup in Qatar, Real Madrid will like to replace Courtois with Andrey Lunin in goal. Also, Mariano Diaz may receive minutes upfront.
Since no other time is available on the calendar, this year’s Club World Cup has been pushed back to February. It begins at a time when Real Madrid is suffering in their hopes of winning La Liga.
The Los Blancos suffered their second defeat in five league games after losing 1-0 to Mallorca at the weekend. As of now, they are eight points behind bitter rivals Barcelona. In two weeks’ time, Real will also resume their Champions League campaign against old rivals Liverpool.
Whether Real Madrid wins their first silverware this season or they succumb to expectations, only time will tell.
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