Wholesale changes – Three Real Madrid academy gems in line to start in Copa del Rey clash | OneFootball

Real Madrid will be looking for their second win of the new year when they take on Deportiva Minera on Monday night in the Copa del Rey Round of 32.

The Merengues go into the game on the back of a hard-fought win over Valencia this past Friday and considering that they will again be in action in a few days in the Spanish Super Cup, heavy rotations are expected for Monday’s match.

No heavy-hitters, bunch of academy players to get a chance

Indeed, according to MARCA, academy talents Gonzalo Garcia, Chema Andres, Loren Aguado, David Jimenez, and Victor Munoz, and Diego Aguado are set to be a part of the Real Madrid squad to face Deportiva Minera.

All the aforementioned youngsters, along with Real Madrid C player Cristian David, trained with the first-team players today and will be called up for the trip to Cartagena.

Set to ring in the changes. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The report further states that Carlo Ancelotti is likely to leave a host of first-team regulars behind with Thibaut Courtois, Lucas Vazquez, Antonio Rudiger, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr., and Kylian Mbappe not expected to feature, barring any last-minute changes.

Not only that, the academy’s influence will not be limited to the squad as they are set to play a key role in the starting lineup.

Indeed, Raul Asencio is all return to the centre of defence, while Loren is expected to start at right-back in place of Vazquez. Gonzalo is almost certain to partner with Endrick in the Real Madrid attack.

Another youngster expected to start is Arda Guler, even though he did not train today due to flu-like symptoms.

The game against a fourth division side provides these youth talents a good opportunity to gain valuable first-team experience and make an impression on the coaching staff.