Rafa Benitez has a big injury list to deal with ahead of the toughest game in Real Madrid’s qualifying group – bad timing then.
There is some positive news. Sergio Ramos has been in full training after a shoulder injury and should start in the heart of defence.
Luka Modric is also in contention for a place in the team after a knock. But he may well be introduced as a substitute rather than starting the game.
Karim Benzema is also close to fitness after the international break but may only make the bench.
Meanwhile James Rodriguez, Carvajal and and Pepe are out of this one.
So the back line will surely consist of Marcelo, Raphael Varane, Sergio Ramos and Danilo.
In midfield we are going for Toni Kroos and Modric with Isco, Ronaldo and Jese across the front line.
It’s a much changed line up from Real Madrid’s strongest XI but, after two wins in two at the start of the group stage, Madrid are at least in a good position in the group so far.
But you do sense that, under the circumstances, a draw will be seen as a decent result for Rafa Benitez.
So here is our XI for the game of the week.
Real Madrid fans: let’s have your teams.
Ali Mansur
Oct 21, 2015 at 11:30 am
Real Madrid cannot use players injury as a yardstick to produce a draw,in spite they are playing away game. Anything less than a win is a minus to a big team like the Merengues. I love Madrid, but the incessant recurrence of injuries on players heat my heart.We are going to play out and out play in France, albeit a wounded team. Hala Madrid!!!