Real Madrid veteran’s return could allow Ancelotti to rest key superstar vs Girona | OneFootball

With the Champions League draw now set, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is carefully planning how to manage his squad for the demanding fixtures ahead.

A key part of this strategy involves rotating players to prevent injuries and ensure the team remains competitive in all competitions.

Rest for Federico Valverde?

One name stands out in particular: Federico Valverde. The Uruguayan has been playing on the edge in recent games, struggling with muscle overload in his hamstrings.

However, his crucial role in the team and recent absences in the squad have made it impossible for him to be given a rest. The situation has even forced him to play as a right-back in the last three matches.

But, according to MARCA, the return of Lucas Vazquez could be a timely boost for Real Madrid as his availability means that Ancelotti could finally afford to rest Valverde against Girona this Sunday, allowing him to recharge ahead of the crucial matches to come.

Valverde has played every match this season. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Vazquez was included in the squad for the game against Manchester City, but Ancelotti made it clear that he was not yet fully fit to compete.

Now, with his recovery complete, he is expected to return to the right-back position this Sunday against Girona.

With Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba also back in action, Ancelotti now has defensive options that could allow him to give Valverde a much-needed break and avoid a potential injury at a critical moment in the season.

Valverde, so far, has featured in each of Real Madrid’s 41 games in all competitions this season, with only one appearance coming on as a substitute. He has eight goals and six assists from those matches.

A rest before next week’s Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Sociedad could come as a welcome boost for Valverde, although given how important he is to Ancelotti’s plans and the current state of the La Liga title race, it remains to be seen if he is given a breather.