Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has provided an update on the fitness of Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema ahead of Saturday's La Liga clash with Sevilla.
Vinicius has had his red card and resulting suspension from last weekend's clash with Valencia overturned, but the Brazil international is currently dealing with inflammation in his knee.
Benzema, meanwhile, picked up a foot injury during Wednesday's 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano, with the Frenchman requiring stitches after suffering a nasty cut in a challenge.
The duo are therefore both doubts for Saturday's game against Sevilla, where Los Blancos will look to make it back-to-back victories in Spain's top flight.
"He (Vinicius) would have played if he didn't have the discomfort in his knee. We'll see if he can train tomorrow or Friday so he can play on Saturday. It was just a small issue today that stopped him from playing," Ancelotti told reporters on Wednesday night after the win over Rayo.
© Reuters
The Italian then revealed the issue facing Benzema, who opened the scoring against Rayo, with the goal proving to be his 30th in all competitions this season.
"He (Benzema) got a cut on his foot in the first half and it was bothering him. We assessed him at half-time and decided he could carry on. It affected him a bit but it wasn't too bad and he played the full 90 minutes," said Ancelotti.
Rodrygo netted the winner on Wednesday evening, with the attacker registering in the 89th minute of the match, and the Real Madrid head coach was full of praise for the Brazilian after the game.
"Everyone knows him, he's such an important player for us with his assists, his goals and the danger he creates. He was replaced by another left winger today, although he often plays on the right too. And Rodrygo made the difference today," added the 63-year-old.
© Reuters
"He's had a bigger impact this season and he has nearly been a nailed-on starter. He's really progressed well compared to last year. He'll continue to improve next season as well because he still hasn't reached his best, but he's getting there."
As well as Vinicius and Benzema, Mariano Diaz remains a doubt for the Sevilla clash due to a thigh injury.
The 29-year-old has only made 11 appearances for Real Madrid this season, and he is widely expected to leave the capital giants on a free transfer at the end of June.
Los Blancos have fallen short in the Champions League and La Liga this season, but they won the Copa del Rey earlier this month by overcoming Osasuna in the final.
No Data Analysis info
