The big decisions Zidane needs to make at Real Madrid next week
Injuries, suspensions and potential suspensions are all things Zidane must manage with two crucial LaLiga matches coming up
It's been a complicated week for Zinedine Zidane. The Real Madrid coach is having to deal with suspensions and injuries which are limiting the options available to him with a trip to Valencia coming up next week. And, of course, he'll need to keep one eye on El Clasico which takes place the Wednesday after.
Marcelo and Ferland Mendy are both out of the trip to Valencia. Eden Hazard isn't expected back until next year and Gareth Bale, who missed the Espanyol game due to discomfort, is a serious doubt too. Casemiro is one booking away from a suspension and Zidane might prefer to reserve his Brazilian for El Clasico instead.
THE UNKNOWNs
Zidane knows this week allows him to try out different players and systems but it won't be easy. There's no natural left-back available for the Mestalla trip and he must cross his fingers that Nacho comes through training without any setbacks. Madrid are also considering an appeal over Mendy's two bookings against Espanyol in order to free him up for next weekend's match. Although it appears unlikely as both of the defender's challenges were clear yellow card offences.
ALTERNATIVES
Nacho has been given the green light to return to action but Zidane has yet to name him in a squad since the 1st October. He could feature against Brugge as he steps up his recovery.
Another option would be to put Carvajal on the left and bring in Odriozola or Militao on the right. The issue with that is young Odriozola hasn't played in the last nine matches either and it's hard to envisage Zidane trusting him in such an important match.
Militao could play on the left but that seems the most unlikely option.
DO YOU RISK CASEMIRO?
Casemiro is one of the first names on the teamsheet for Zidane but with four bookings to his name, the Brazilian could miss El Clasico if he makes it five against Valencia. At the moment, it doesn't seem like the coach will 'save' his midfielder and it'll be up to Casemiro to make sure he doesn't put a foot wrong.
With Hazard already out, the only good news for Zidane would be if Bale returns to full fitness this week. He's unlikely to be risked in the Champions League and the aim will be to have the Welsh winger available for the two upcoming LaLiga matches.
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