Real Madrid is set to face Real Sociedad in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals this Wednesday at the Reale Arena, with kickoff scheduled for 21:30 CET. Despite the importance of the fixture, manager Carlo Ancelotti is expected to make several rotations, prioritizing La Liga and the UEFA Champions League over the domestic cup competition.
One of the biggest concerns heading into the match is the fitness of Fede Valverde. The Uruguayan midfielder, who has been a vital player for Ancelotti this season, was left out of the squad for Madrid’s recent La Liga victory over Girona (2-0) to allow him some much-needed rest. This was the first time since May 11, 2024, that Valverde was completely left out of a matchday squad, highlighting his incredible durability and the workload he has endured.
Reports from Spain indicate that Valverde may once again be sidelined for the semi-final clash against Real Sociedad or, at best, start from the bench. His versatility has made him indispensable, even playing in defense when required, particularly in the absence of Lucas Vázquez. However, the relentless schedule has taken its toll, with Valverde suffering from minor muscular discomfort.
The Uruguayan international was forced to push through the pain barrier in Madrid’s recent Champions League showdown against Manchester City. Despite his commitment and determination, he has now been advised to take caution, as he did not participate in collective training with the squad earlier today.
Given his physical condition, the Real Madrid medical staff is urging prudence in managing Valverde’s workload. Ancelotti is keen to have him fit for the crucial upcoming fixtures, and risking his long-term fitness for a single match could be detrimental. The decision on whether he will feature against Real Sociedad will ultimately depend on his recovery in the next few hours.
While Valverde’s potential absence is a setback for Los Blancos, there is good news regarding Jude Bellingham. The English midfielder, who is currently serving a two-match suspension in La Liga, is eligible to play in the Copa del Rey and is expected to be in the starting lineup. His presence will be a significant boost for Ancelotti’s side as they look to secure a favorable result in the first leg.
Despite Ancelotti’s preference for squad rotation, Real Madrid remains determined to progress in the Copa del Rey. With key players like Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo, and Toni Kroos expected to feature, the team will still have enough quality to compete against a strong Real Sociedad side.
The match against Real Sociedad comes at a challenging time for Madrid, as they juggle multiple competitions. The team’s depth will be put to the test, and Ancelotti will need to carefully manage his squad to maintain peak performance levels across all fronts.
For Valverde, the priority will be to recover fully before returning to action.His absence may be felt, but ensuring he is fit for the crucial league and Champions League matches ahead is the ultimate goal. Real Madrid fans will hope that their midfield engine can return to full fitness soon, as his energy and versatility have been instrumental in their campaign so far.
With the first leg against Real Sociedad looming, Ancelotti faces a tough decision: push Valverde into action despite his physical struggles or take the safer route by giving him additional rest. The final call will likely depend on how he responds to treatment in the coming hours.
Regardless of whether Valverde plays or not, Madrid will need to be at their best to secure a strong result in the away leg. The return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu will provide an opportunity to settle the tie, but avoiding a disadvantage in the first leg will be crucial.
As fans eagerly await the lineup announcement, all eyes will be on Ancelotti’s selection and whether Valverde’s name appears. For now, uncertainty looms over his availability, but one thing is clear: Madrid will proceed with caution to ensure the long-term fitness of one of their most essential players.A Bad News Hits Fede Valverde!
Real Madrid is set to face Real Sociedad in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals this Wednesday at the Reale Arena, with kickoff scheduled for 21:30 CET. Despite the importance of the fixture, manager Carlo Ancelotti is expected to make several rotations, prioritizing La Liga and the UEFA Champions League over the domestic cup competition.
One of the biggest concerns heading into the match is the fitness of Fede Valverde. The Uruguayan midfielder, who has been a vital player for Ancelotti this season, was left out of the squad for Madrid’s recent La Liga victory over Girona (2-0) to allow him some much-needed rest. This was the first time since May 11, 2024, that Valverde was completely left out of a matchday squad, highlighting his incredible durability and the workload he has endured.
Reports from Spain indicate that Valverde may once again be sidelined for the semi-final clash against Real Sociedad or, at best, start from the bench. His versatility has made him indispensable, even playing in defense when required, particularly in the absence of Lucas Vázquez. However, the relentless schedule has taken its toll, with Valverde suffering from minor muscular discomfort.
The Uruguayan international was forced to push through the pain barrier in Madrid’s recent Champions League showdown against Manchester City. Despite his commitment and determination, he has now been advised to take caution, as he did not participate in collective training with the squad earlier today.
Given his physical condition, the Real Madrid medical staff is urging prudence in managing Valverde’s workload. Ancelotti is keen to have him fit for the crucial upcoming fixtures, and risking his long-term fitness for asingle match could be detrimental. The decision on whether he will feature against Real Sociedad will ultimately depend on his recovery in the next few hours.
While Valverde’s potential absence is a setback for Los Blancos, there is good news regarding Jude Bellingham. The English midfielder, who is currently serving a two-match suspension in La Liga, is eligible to play in the Copa del Rey and is expected to be in the starting lineup. His presence will be a significant boost for Ancelotti’s side as they look to secure a favorable result in the first leg.
Despite Ancelotti’s preference for squad rotation, Real Madrid remains determined to progress in the Copa del Rey. With key players like Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo, and Toni Kroos expected to feature, the team will still have enough quality to compete against a strong Real Sociedad side.
The match against Real Sociedad comes at a challenging time for Madrid, as they juggle multiple competitions. The team’s depth will be put to the test, and Ancelotti will need to carefully manage his squad to maintain peak performance levels across all fronts.
For Valverde, the priority will be to recover fully before returning to action. His absence may be felt, but ensuring he is fit for the crucial league and Champions League matches ahead is the ultimate goal. Real Madrid fans will hope that their midfield engine can return to full fitness soon, as his energy and versatility have been instrumental in their campaign so far.
With the first leg against Real Sociedad looming, Ancelotti faces a tough decision: push Valverde into action despite his physical struggles or take the safer route by giving him additional rest. The final call will likely depend on how he responds to treatment in the coming hours.
Regardless of whether Valverde plays or not, Madrid will need to be at their best to secure a strong result in the away leg. The return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu will provide an opportunity to settle the tie, but avoiding a disadvantage in the first leg will be crucial.
As fans eagerly await the lineup announcement, all eyes will be on Ancelotti’s selection and whether Valverde’s name appears. For now, uncertainty looms over his availability, but one thing is clear: Madrid will proceed with caution to ensure the long-term fitness of one of their most essential play
Real Madrid is set to face Real Sociedad in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals this Wednesday at the Reale Arena, with kickoff scheduled for 21:30 CET. Despite the importance of the fixture, manager Carlo Ancelotti is expected to make several rotations, prioritizing La Liga and the UEFA Champions League over the domestic cup competition.
One of the biggest concerns heading into the match is the fitness of Fede Valverde. The Uruguayan midfielder, who has been a vital player forAncelotti this season, was left out of the squad for Madrid’s recent La Liga victory over Girona (2-0) to allow him some much-needed rest. This was the first time since May 11, 2024, that Valverde was completely left out of a matchday squad, highlighting his incredible durability and the workload he has endured.
Reports from Spain indicate that Valverde may once again be sidelined for the semi-final clash against Real Sociedad or, at best, start from the bench. His versatility has made him indispensable, even playing in defense when required, particularly in the absence of Lucas Vázquez. However, the relentless schedule has taken its toll, with Valverde suffering from minor muscular discomfort.
The Uruguayan international was forced to push through the pain barrier in Madrid’s recent Champions League showdown against Manchester City. Despite his commitment and determination, he has now been advised to take caution, as he did not participate in collective training with the squad earlier today.
Given his physical condition, the Real Madrid medical staff is urging prudence in managing Valverde’s workload. Ancelotti is keen to have him fit for the crucial upcoming fixtures, and risking his long-term fitness for a single match could be detrimental. The decision on whether he will feature against Real Sociedad will ultimately depend on his recovery in the next few hours.
While Valverde’s potential absence is a setback for Los Blancos, there is good news regarding Jude Bellingham. The English midfielder, who is currently serving a two-match suspension in La Liga, is eligible to play in the Copa del Rey and is expected to be in the starting lineup. His presence will be a significant boost for Ancelotti’s side as they look to secure a favorable result in the first leg.
Despite Ancelotti’s preference for squad rotation, Real Madrid remains determined to progress in the Copa del Rey. With key players like Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo, and Toni Kroos expected to feature, the team will still have enough quality to compete against a strong Real Sociedad side.
The match against Real Sociedad comes at a challenging time for Madrid, as they juggle multiple competitions. The team’s depth will be put to the test, and Ancelotti will need to carefully manage his squad to maintain peak performance levels across all fronts.
For Valverde, the priority will be to recover fully before returning to action. His absence may be felt, but ensuring he is fit for the crucial league and Champions League matches ahead is the ultimate goal. Real Madrid fans will hope that their midfield engine can return to full fitness soon, as his energy and versatility have been instrumental in their campaign so far.
With the first leg against Real Sociedad looming, Ancelotti faces a tough decision: push Valverde into action despite his physical struggles or take the safer route by giving him additionalrest. The final call will likely depend on how he responds to treatment in the coming hours.
Regardless of whether Valverde plays or not, Madrid will need to be at their best to secure a strong result in the away leg. The return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu will provide an opportunity to settle the tie, but avoiding a disadvantage in the first leg will be crucial.
As fans eagerly await the lineup announcement, all eyes will be on Ancelotti’s selection and whether Valverde’s name appears. For now, uncertainty looms over his availability, but one thing is clear: Madrid will proceed with caution to ensure the long-term fitness of one of their most essential players.