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Real Madrid team news: Predicted 4-3-3 line up vs Real Valladolid – Sergio Ramos decision
Zinedine Zidane has a number of key selection decisions to make when Real Madrid return to La Liga action against Real Valladolid this evening (8pm GMT).
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Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane must decide whether to risk captain Sergio Ramos when Los Blancos face Real Valladolid at the Estadio Jose Zorrilla. The veteran centre-back is available after an ankle injury but it remains to be seen whether the 33-year-old will start the upcoming La Liga clash.
Ramos picked up the knock during the Spanish Super Cup final victory over Atletico Madrid in Saudi Arabia.
He was expected to be sidelined for two weeks following the penalty shootout win, although the Madrid captain has been named in today’s matchday squad.
Eder Militao deputised during the Copa del Rey triumph over Unionistas on Wednesday, and the Brazilian is most likely to start again here.
Nacho was also deployed in central defence during the 3-1 win but should move to right-back with Dani Carvajal suspended this weekend.
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Raphael Varane was rested in midweek but will come back into the starting XI here while Ferland Mendy should replace Marcelo at left-back.
Casemiro will continue at the base of midfield while Toni Kroos will return in place of James Rodriguez.
And Zidane must decide whether to give Federico Valverde another start or recall Luka Modric to take up the final spot in the engine room.
Isco has been handed more game time in recent weeks under Zidane and should line up on the right-flank following injury to Gareth Bale last time out, although Lucas Vazquez is another option.
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Meanwhile, Rodrygo is expected to replace fellow Brazilian Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema will continue to lead the line, leaving Luka Jovic on the bench.
When asked about Bale in his pre-match press conference, Zidane said: "He hurt his ankle the other day and he's the main one who's not happy. It's nothing major and I hope to see him back with us after the Valladolid game.
“He wants to be back with us and playing. I'm always worried when a player is injured. I don't like it and they're the main ones to suffer.
“I’d rather have all 25 of them available and to have the headache of deciding who to play.
“He's sprained his ankle and that's good news. It's just a three-day thing and that's good news for everyone.
“He scored the other day and I'll always defend my players. There's a good vibe here and every single players want to do the best they possible can for the Real Madrid crest. I don't think things are all that bad.
“He's had injuries and you can't do anything about them. Let's hope that, moving forward, he has better availability and with game time, he'll pick up the team's positive vibe.”
Meanwhile, Eden Hazard and Marco Asensio remain sidelined but both stars are closing in on a return to full fitness.
The pair have returned to training after ankle and knee injuries respectively, although Zidane is reluctant to specify a comeback date.
Speaking about Hazard, he said: "I can't say when he'll be back because he's just starting to kick the ball again. He's virtually not in any pain at all now and from Monday he'll work alone and spend more time with the ball.
“He'll gradually improve and I hope he'll be back with the group soon because that'll do him the world of good from a mental point of view.
“It's extremely difficult to say when he'll be back, but we're happy with how he's progressing and I hope to have him back soon.”
Real Madrid predicted line-up vs Real Valladolid – La Liga
(4-3-3): Courtois; Nacho, Varane, Militao, Mendy; Casemiro, Kroos, Valverde; Isco, Rodrygo, Benzema