(Football news) After winning the Spanish Super Cup, Real Madrid are fighting for all 3 possible trophies this season. They are 4 points clear at the top of the La Liga table and are in the UCL Round of 16 and the Copa del Rey quarter finals.
Los Blancos needed extra time to get a hard fought win against Elche in the Copa del Rey Round of 16. Their quarter final game is on 3rd February against Athletic Club who knocked out Barcelona in the last round. The big problem in front of Los Blancos is that they could be missing as many as 6 players. Karim Benzema picked up an injury during Madrid's La Liga game against Elche. Even though it's not serious, Benzema is unlikely to be fit for the Copa del Rey tie. The game comes too soon for Marco Asensio who injured himself in the Super Cup final.
The South American World Cup qualifiers take place between 27th January and 1st February. Casemiro, Eder Militao, Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo are all called up by Brazil. The 4 players are all guaranteed starters for Carlo Ancelotti. Federico Valverde is also called up by Uruguay. Reports suggested that Real Madrid are in discussion with the Spanish federation to try and postpone the game as well as with the Brazilian FA to try and release the 4 players. Carlo Ancelotti in a press conference said that the club will not put any kind of pressure as he knows that the Brazilian's are very keen on playing for their country as they should be. He also said that he will play with whoever is available.
Brazil's game against Paraguay is on 1st February while Madrid's match against Bilbao is on 3rd February. Reports have suggested that the club and the Brazilian FA have agreed to arrange the 4 players to travel as soon as their game against Paraguay is over. The players will then be able to join the rest of the squad. Things would've been a lot easier if the match was in Madrid but the fact that they have to travel to Bilbao complicates things.
Jet lag and fatigue will all play a part in Carlo Ancelotti's decision making. It remains to be seen if the Italian manager risks the players and if yes who and for how many minutes. At this point there is no report on the availability of Valverde who also plays on the 1st February for Uruguay against Venezuela. It will be a very big blow for Real Madrid if they are without their Brazilians and Athletic Club will have a very big advantage.
Also read: Barcelona and Atlético Madrid score late winners while Real Madrid drop points
