'He's ready' – Carlo Ancelotti confirms Real Madrid have a key player available to start against Barcelona

Sunday could be the day for Eder Militao, who was edging ever closer to starting his first game of the season for Real Madrid. The Brazilian defender has been brought back very slowly after recovering from an ACL tear in August, having only been given a few minutes here or there in the last four games.

However, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed in his pre-match press conference (via AS Diary) that Militao is ready to start against Barcelona, ​​should be called.

“He could be a starter. He needs minutes, and he's ready. He was waiting to play. He can be an option for us.”

Militao has competition for the spot, with Nacho Fernandez – who was excellent against Manchester City on Wednesday – and Aurelien Tchouameni the other candidates to start alongside Antonio Rudiger.

Ancelotti also spoke about Federico Valverde, who has been omnipresent Real Madrid this season, and will continue to do so when the Clasico approaches on Sunday.

“He's always been very good on the field, he's helped the team a lot. He's tight and that's why I put him. He contributes as a winger, as a pivot, in another line. He's irreplaceable for me.”