Courtois will have to wait: Madrid’s call-up to Leipzig
Real Madrid has released its squad list for the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 against RB Leipzig. Thibaut Courtois, who was due to return in April after his anterior cruciate ligament rupture, remains sidelined, although he has already been training with the group. Carlo Ancelotti counts on Fran González, a base player, to occupy the third goalkeeper position in this squad.
Real Madrid’s squad list for the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 is now official. There is no surprising news, so the only focus of attention is making sure that the medical team’s plan with Thibaut Courtois continues as planned. The Belgian goalkeeper is expected to return in April, and Carlo Ancelotti has called up young Fran González, of whom his coaching staff has good information, for the visit to Leipzig.
The complete team is made up of: Andriy Lunin, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Fran González; Dani Carvajal, Nacho Fernández, Lucas Vázquez, Fran García, Antonio Rüdiger, Ferland Mendy; Jude Bellingham, Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Eduardo Camavinga, Fede Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Dani Ceballos, Arda Güler; Vinicius, Rodrygo Goes, Joselu Mato and Brahim Díaz. It is possible to notice the lack of defenders with David Alaba and Éder Militão injured.
The Merengues won by a minimal score in the first leg, so the tie is open for this second meeting at the Santiago Bernabéu, where the hosts appear as clear favorites. Even so, they must be careful with the Germans, who have notable names – Dani Olmo, Xavi Simons – and who are aware that they need to enter the field with an offensive proposal to reverse the overall result.
In individual terms, Real Madrid will see how the spotlight focuses especially on Brahim Díaz, who has been the talk of the town this week. The Morocco national team included him in the pre-list for their next call-up and, it seems, that Luis de la Fuente – Spain’s coach, would also be counting on the player’s collaboration. Soon, he will have to make a decision about it, which may be conditioned on the level of opportunities he will find in each team.
