Predicted Real Madrid lineup against Atletico Madrid: Valverde in for Modric; Bellingham suspended

Federico Valverde will replace Luka Modric in the Real Madrid starting lineup against Atletico Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday.

Real Madrid will aim to take a step closer to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals when they welcome Atletico Madrid to the Santiago Bernabeu for the first leg of the round of 16 on Tuesday night. Carlo Ancelotti has no new roster issues hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.

Jude Bellingham remains on the sidelines due to suspension, although the ban in the UEFA Champions League is due to an accumulation of yellow cards. The English international accompanies Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal and Dani Ceballos on the sidelines. Apart from the quartet, the matchday squad features all the regulars.

However, Ceballos is the closest to returning to action apart from Bellingham, who should make his comeback this weekend. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Ancelotti provided a fitness update on Valverde. The Italian tactician also discussed his squad’s status amid the injury crisis.

The Real Madrid manager said, “He trained individually yesterday and felt good. He’ll be back with the team today and then we’ll make a decision as to whether he can play or not.”

“We’ve had several serious injuries, like those to Carvajal and Militão. That has an impact on the season but we’ve had a young lad come up from the academy who is doing a wonderful job in Asencio. Sometimes injuries can be a chance to see the character present in the squad and to give new players a few more opportunities. The calendar is far too demanding for the players from a physical point of view.”

Thibaut Courtois will take his spot between the sticks, with Real Madrid lining up in a 4-4-2 formation in front of him against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday. The backline should feature Lucas Vazquez, Antonio Rudiger, Raul Asencio, and Ferland Mendy.

As for the midfield unit, Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde will pair up in the central areas, while Rodrygo and Brahim Diaz should take up the wide berths. Finally, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior will be the two central attackers for the home side against Atletico Madrid.