Ancelotti considering key rotations vs Athletic Club with an eye on Copa del Rey final | OneFootball

Real Madrid do not have long to mourn over their elimination from the UEFA Champions League as they take to the field tomorrow night against Athletic Club in La Liga.

After the disastrous defeat to Arsenal, they do not face any respite as they take on Ernesto Valverde’s side in what will be a gruelling clash. The calendar ahead is not easy in any measure either, for Getafe and Barcelona are next.

Given the difficult schedule ahead, the coach is considering making rotations with the Copa del Rey final in mind. The extent to which he should rotate, however, is a massive debate in his mind.

A pivotal decision

As relayed by AS in a recent update, Ancelotti prioritises the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona for it is the most direct route for his side to a trophy.

It is on his mind to make some key rotations against Athletic Club to keep players fresh for the cup final, although it is also critical to note that the game against the Basque side is critical in terms of the league race.

Kylian Mbappe will be unavailable tomorrow while Ferland Mendy, Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao are also on the list of absentees.

Kylian Mbappe will miss the Athletic Club encounter. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Should he opt to rotate, Ancelotti could turn to the young guns. The likes of Endrick, Brahim Diaz and Arda Guler might be well-placed to start against Athletic Club should Ancelotti make that decision.

The Real Madrid manager’s choice, however, will likely depend on the result Barcelona can pull off later today against Celta Vigo.

A defeat against Athletic Club could potentially leave Los Blancos seven points behind Barcelona which would kill off any hopes in La Liga.

With Getafe away from home also a gruelling clash ahead, Ancelotti must decide if he prioritises the cup of the league.

The dressing room is slowly losing faith in the manager and it remains to be seen if Ancelotti can turn his situation around. Tomorrow’s game will be crucial, especially after three defeats in the team’s last four games.