Karim Benzema will be absent from playing the Clásico against Barcelona. The French player had to retire in the duel against Mallorca last Monday and although the tests carried out yielded positive results, on Saturday he did not train with the rest of his teammates in Valdebebas and is completely ruled out.
Thus, Ancelotti will have to find a solution to replace the Whites’ striker. These are some of the options that the Italian would consider.
Marco Asensio
It is the most likely option of all, a trident formed by Rodrygo – Asensio – Vinicius. In principle, the Spaniard would be the one to play the 9 but when these players have coincided on the pitch we have seen how they alternated their positions.
Gareth Bale
Against Villarreal Gareth Bale was the team’s 9th and although he did not do badly at all, he has not been seen on the pitch again. His last game was 3 minutes against PSG at the Parc des Princes. The Welshman is counting down the days to see his stage in Madrid come to an end but perhaps he can still do one last great service.
Luka Jović
It seemed that Luka Jovic could have a new role in the team with Ancelotti and especially after his goal against Real Sociedad, but as soon as Benzema recovered, the Serbian returned to his usual place, the bench, from where he has not moved.
Eden Hazard
Eden Hazard is still part of the Real Madrid squad even though he hasn’t played for a month. It seems very difficult for Hazard to be chosen since that would mean a change in the system or put him in a position that is not his, since the left winger is owned by Vinicius. It doesn’t seem like a Clasico is the day to see Hazard start.
Isco
It would not be the first time that Ancelotti has used Isco as a false 9 to replace Benzema. The man from Malaga is in the background but that is not an obstacle for Carletto to bet on him again because in the same way that he suddenly appears in the coach’s plans, in the end he ends up vanishing. He has not played since February 6 against Granada.
Marian
If Jovic, Bale or Hazard are missing in combat, Mariano is already another level. The Hispanic-Dominican has only participated in six games throughout the season. Against Elche Ancelotti gave the surprise putting him in the starting lineup but it is practically impossible for him to surprise again in the Classic by starting him.
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