Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger is reportedly a major doubt for Sunday's La Liga clash with Rayo Vallecano.
The Germany international has recently been dealing with discomfort in his knees, leading to suggestions that he would be rested against Rayo with a view to being available against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League next week.
However, according to AS, Rudiger did not train with Los Blancos on Saturday due to illness, and he is now viewed as 'seriously doubtful' for the La Liga clash with Rayo.
The report claims that David Alaba is therefore expected to feature in the middle of the defence alongside Raul Asencio, with Fran Garcia also likely to be introduced into the side at left-back.
© Imago
Rudiger 'a major doubt' for Rayo clash due to illness
There has also been concern surrounding Federico Valverde's fitness, with the Uruguay international dealing with muscular fatigue, but head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed during his press conference that the midfielder would be available against Rayo.
"He's fine, he's available. He wasn't fit enough against Atleti, but he has improved and is in good condition. He can play, I know where he likes to play less, as a right winger. He likes to play as a pivot or interior and also as a full-back," said Ancelotti.
"In the future he will be one of the best, or he already is, he is the best midfielder in the world, the best full-back.... but his future is going to be in midfield."
Ancelotti also threw his support behind Eduardo Camavinga, with the midfielder's form being criticised this season, and he has also recently been linked with a move away from the club.
"He hasn't had continuity, he has had important injuries. He's been out for three and a half months, that makes it harder to get continuity," said the Real Madrid head coach.
"Now he is improving little by little, in the last few games he has had back pains that didn't allow him to play at 100%. He's held out because of the team's need, he'll be back to his best."
© Imago
Ancelotti not concerned by Mbappe's dip in form
Ancelotti also insisted that Mbappe is "doing very well" despite the France international's recent dip in form, with the forward struggling to make his mark against either Girona, Real Betis and Atletico Madrid.
"Against Atleti he didn't do what he did against City. On a general level he's doing very well, we're very happy with him. We have to keep in mind that he's not always at his best," said the manager.
"The season is demanding, it's normal, especially in quality players, they have more ups and downs, it's something genetic. He is doing very well. If we're in the last 16 of the Champions League, it's a lot because of him, he scored four goals in the playoffs."
Ancelotti is expected to make changes against Rayo on Sunday, with Luka Modric also potentially earning a spot in midfield, while Jude Bellingham will be available again following a recent suspension.
Real Madrid are third in the La Liga table, three points behind leaders Barcelona, but they could be six points off the summit by the time that they take to the field for a vital game against seventh-placed Rayo.
Matt Law
