The Real Madrid manager hopes to have the French striker back in time for his side’s next Copa del Rey match.
Real Madrid will face Athletic Bilbao in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey on Thursday. The Blancos are dealing with the absence of several of their first-team players ahead of the game.
Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo both played for Brazil in their 4-0 victory over Paraguay on Tuesday. Casemiro remained an unused substitute while Eder Militao returned to Madrid early due to his suspension from Brazil’s next game. Federico Valverde also played for Uruguay in their 4-1 win over against Venezuela.
Asked about the possibility of using these players against Bilbao, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti responded: “We also have to assess the status of the players who have played with their national teams.
“If they are just tired, they will travel. They may not start the game, but I may need them throughout the game, especially if we get to extra time.
“Vinicius and Rodrygo come back from playing, but they are 20 years old, not 60 like me. I think they can get back.”
Karim Benzema is also a doubt for the game. The French star suffered a hamstring injury in his side’s 2-2 draw against Elche on January 23. However, Ancelotti hopes to have him back in time for the game, revealing he is yet to take part in team training.
“He has good feelings, and now he is going to train with the group,” Ancelotti said.
“At the end, we will make a decision. We’re not going to risk it. If he has the medical discharge, he will play; if not, no.”
He added: “The decision is simple. If he is well, he will play, if not, he will stay at home. If he is not 100 per cent, it makes no sense to put him in a game that is going to demand a lot from us.”
Following their match against Bilbao, Real Madrid will face Granada in a La Liga match on Sunday.
Be sure not to miss out on the latest news about Real Madrid
Download our brand new App and follow your favorite players, clubs, and much more
