Real Madrid will make the short trip across town to Vallecas to face Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, but will do so without the German defender. Antonio Rudiger. His muscle injury continues to cause problems, and Carlo Ancelotti will have to wait for his return.
Rudiger was initially ruled out with a thigh bruise after a heavy clash with Mason Greenwood, but that was later revealed to be a muscle problem, which will keep him out for two to three weeks. Yesterday two weeks had passed since he sustained the problem, but he will not be back in time for the Rayo game.
This means it will once again be a makeshift back four, likely with Nacho Fernandez alongside Aurelien Tchouameni. That said, Tchouameni has started five games in central defense this season, all of which have resulted in Real Madrid's clean sheets.
Rayo are the only team to keep a clean sheet against Los Blancos this season in La Liga, during a 0-0 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu. AS Diary say that Brahim Diaz will be recovered from his blow against RB Leipzig, and will be ready to start. Fran Garcia is also in line for a start, to rest Ferland Mendy, as he returns to his former side.
The home team will debut below new manager Inigo Perez, who is in charge of his first game, after Francisco was dismissed during the week. The Blancos will look to maintain or increase their five-point lead over Girona.
