Ancelotti yet to choose Modric replacement

Carlo Ancelotti has revealed he has yet to decide who will cover for Luka Modric in the Real Madrid team, confirming the choice is Sami Khedira or Isco.

Modric was injured playing for Croatia against Germany and Ancelotti has said he doesn’t know when the former Tottenham Hotspur playmaker will be able to return.

“It’s a major injury. We don’t know precisely when he’ll be back because we have to wait to see how he recovers over the next few days,” the Coach said, AS reports, at a Press conference prior to Madrid’s game against Eibar.

“He’s an important player but we have to look forward because the squad is very competitive. We’re able to fix the problem with other players.

“I haven’t decided who will replace Modric. I have the obvious choice of Khedira or to put in Isco. Khedira has played two games after injury so we’ll see if he has recovered. If so he’ll play. If not, Isco.

“I haven’t talked to Isco [about replacing Modric] because I know what he thinks. He wants to play and has no problem adjusting. He did it in Granada last year and can play there if the team is as it has been in the last few games.

“Khedira is fine. I have confidence in him and he wants to stay. He told me so. We’ll try to renew his contract and he wants to stay here.

“Over time that will be sorted. He’s had an injury but his physical condition is good. He looked good to me against Spain.”

Ancelotti was asked about the situation of Asier Illarramendi and replied that he could see Illarra playing alongside Toni Kroos, but it’s been a tough few months for him.

“He can play with Kroos, because he can occupy a different position of defensive midfielder,” the Italian added.

“Illarra played alongside Xabi Alonso last year. I haven’t lost confidence in him. He can play for Madrid. He had a hard time against Borussia Dortmund and we have to fix it.”

Tags Carlo Ancelotti Isco Luka Modric Sami Khedira
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