Carlo Ancelotti confirms Real Madrid line-up plans ‘if Fede Valverde can’t play’ against Atlético | OneFootball

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has on Monday provided something of an insight into his line-up plans for the club’s upcoming showdown with city rivals Atlético.

The latest edition of the Madrid Derby is of course set to play out tomorrow night.

Turning attentions away from the ongoing battle for the La Liga title, the two sides are primed to lock horns on the continent, in a Champions League Last-16 first-leg clash.

In the buildup to the fixture, one name has taken its place front and centre in the headlines, in the form of Federico Valverde.

This comes with the Uruguayan – arguably Real Madrid’s most important player – having been forced to sit out each of the club’s last three fixtures due to a fitness issue.

Valverde’s status for tomorrow’s derby is therefore currently considered as being up in the air.

Speaking to the media on Monday, it therefore came as little surprise when the name of the 26-year-old was put to boss Carlo Ancelotti once more.

And Real’s headmaster went on to hint that, if fit, Valverde will take his place at right-back versus Atlético. On the other hand, if he is not available, Lucas Vázquez will be afforded a starting berth:

“Lucas Vázquez will start at right-back if Valverde can’t play.”

Conor Laird – GSFN