'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAHAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYH/8QAFQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQL/2gAMAwEAAhADEAAAAMWlSj//xAAfEAABBAICAwAAAAAAAAAAAAACAwQFEQETABIGFEL/2gAIAQEAAT8AOYhWPjkvHsmO/wBzoW92inlXtfwVWHE0mxJiVji8XWvn/8QAFhEAAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAES/9oACAECAQE/AIR//8QAFhEAAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAES/9oACAEDAQE/ALZ//9k='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that two first-team stars, Thibaut Courtois and Antonio Rudiger will be rested for their upcoming Copa del Rey game. Los Blancos will visit fourth-tier Deportiva Minera in the Round of 32 of the competition on Monday, January 6.
While the Spanish champions are overwhelming favorites to win, Ancelotti is taking no chances and calling a strong matchday squad. However, two key names will be missing on the day.
Speaking to the press, Ancelotti said (via Football Espana):
"Those who do not travel are Courtois and Rudiger, who stay here, the rest all go. I want to give minutes to others who have played a little less."
Trending
He also clarified that it was not decided if Andriy Lunin would play the entirety of the competition. However, he confirmed that the Ukrainian shot-stopper would be in goal against Minera.
He added:
“I haven’t considered it. Lunin is going to play tomorrow because Courtois needs to rest and recover well. It is not decided that Lunin will only play the Copa del Rey.”
Real Madrid returned from their mini winter break earlier this week with a 2-1 defeat of Valencia in LaLiga. Jude Bellingham fired in the winner in the sixth minute of stoppage time in the game as Los Blancos won with 10 men.
They are likely to field a weakened side on Monday for the Minera clash, as they are set to visit Saudi Arabia for the Supercopa de Espana campaign just four days later.
Vinicius available for Real Madrid on Monday
Vinicius Junior was sent off during their 2-1 win over Valencia, making it uncertain whether he'd participate in Copa del Rey and the upcoming Supercup game.
However, the Brazilian has been given the green light and will be available for selection. His suspension will only apply in LaLiga, but the duration of the sanction isn't confirmed yet.
Despite that, the winger isn't likely to start against Minera as Real Madrid have one eye on the upcoming Spanish Supercup fixture.
