Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has hinted that he will ring the changes for Saturday’s visit of Eibar in La Liga.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s yellow-card suspension was revoked on Friday, meaning he is free to keep his place in Los Blancos’ XI, but a foot injury has ruled out Gareth Bale.
The Coach also intends to give the likes of Keylor Navas and Jese Rodriguez run-outs as he came to terms with the reality of squad rotation at this stage of the season.
“I don’t need to protect Iker [Casillas, despite Navas starting instead],” he said at a Press conference.
“Iker has made it very clear that he wants to stay [at Madrid]. We all want that to be the case.
“We consider [Cristiano Ronaldo’s ban being overturned] fair. Now we can present our best possible team against Eibar, opponents whom we respect very much.
“I don’t think there was anything [in his gesture to the referee], so we’ll stick the Committee’s decision.
“[Gareth Bale] won’t be available tomorrow. He’s had some overload [on his left foot], which is normal, so it’s best to rest him for Tuesday’s game.
“[Luka Modric] is a little tired, but I think everyone will be fine [on Sunday]. Luka will play.
“All players are professionals, but a goalkeeper is different because they have the ability to enter a game in any situation, while an outfield player may enter the pitch for only the last 10 minutes.
“I haven’t decided what [team I’ll play on Saturday]. I haven’t had the chance to see the physical condition of the players. On Saturday, we train at 11. Only then will I decide.
“Jese [Rodriguez] needed time to recover from his injury but is slowly finding his form again.
“[Sami] Khedira also started playing quickly after [a long-term injury] but has struggled. These injuries take a year or so [to recover from], and the end of the season will have more minutes.
“Every game has its own XI. Pepe will be available [on Saturday] and Tuesday but let’s not confuse Saturday’s line-up with the one I’ll name on Tuesday morning.
“[Asier] Illarramendi and Jese will get many chances to play [before the end of the season].”
