Real Madrid face left back concerns ahead of Valencia clash

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane is facing a selection headache in defence ahead of their crunch clash with Valencia next weekend.

Los Blancos will be without French international Ferland Mendy, as he serves a one game ban following his red card against Espanyol last weekend, with Brazilian international Marcelo struggling to overcome an injury.

Mendy is likely to start in their Champions League tie away at Club Brugge in midweek, before sitting out the trip to the Estadio Mestalla.

Zidane could opt to recall Spanish international Alvaro Odriozola, to fill in at left back, or start the former Real Sociedad man on the right, and bring Dani Carvajal over to the left.

Alternatively he could look to deploy experienced central defender Nacho Fernandez at full back, with skipper Sergio Ramos providing support as the left sided centre back.

Mendy should then return for the December 18 El Clasico tie at the Camp Nou, but Zidane confirmed he may rest Casemiro against Valencia, to avoid him collecting a fifth booking of the season, and missing the Barcelona game.

Tags Ferland Mendy Marcelo Zinedine Zidane
La Liga - Club News