CLAIMS HE HASN'T PICKED TEAM FOR ALMERÍA GAME

Ancelotti: "We could play Xabi and Illarra together"

Carlo Ancelotti is keeping his cards close to his chest with regards to the team to face Almería, even mentioning the possibility of pairing Xabi Alonso and Asier Illarramendi in central midfield. "But I won't make a decision until tomorrow", he clarified.

"We've tried to stick to the same system in recent matches, with three central midfielders, including two in the holding role. We could use Casemiro or play Illarra and Alonso together, with Isco further forward. That's a decision I'll have to make, because I have faith in all the players".

Ancelotti's decision has been made easier by the absence of Ángel di María through injury, which the Italian himself revealed. "The squad isn't in the best of fitness, as we've got several players who are unavailable for tomorrow. Counting Di María, Khedira, Marcelo, Varane and Coentrao, that means there are five players out".

The coach, who admitted the club's concerns over Raphael Varane's fitness, acknowledged that Real has struggled after international breaks this season, but was confident there will be no repeat of this scenario on Saturday. "The players have a good mentality. They're all focused on tomorrow's match. They've come back happy because they've all made it through to the World Cup. Psychologically, the players are in good shape. The issue is with physical recovery and above all, injuries".