Real Madrid: 18 players called up, only eight at Valdebebas before Celta
Mourinho fears injuries as 18 players leave for international duty. Real Madrid host Celta on Sunday 22 November at 17:00 at the Bernabéu, with Vinicius available again.
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Eighteen Real Madrid players have been called up by their national teams and only eight first-team players will stay at Valdebebas during the break, according to Mundo Deportivo. Mourinho has voiced his concern and fears that one of his players could pick up an injury while away.
The break arrives with the team second in La Liga on 30 points after 12 matches: ten wins, two defeats, 31 goals scored and 10 conceded. Madrid have won five in a row: 0-3 at Valencia on 7 November, 2-3 against AEK, 0-3 at Racing de Santander, 1-2 against Barcelona and 4-1 against RB Leipzig.
Two of those who stay are injury cases. Rodrygo and Asencio are still recovering and will work at Valdebebas with the reduced group. Vinicius served the fourth match of his suspension against Valencia and will be available against Celta.
How Madrid approach the Celta match
Of the eight players left at Valdebebas, two are still recovering. Mourinho will have few sessions with the full squad, and while 18 players are away, the risk of a late absence depends on what happens far from his control. Vinicius returning softens the blow, because the team gets back an attacker after four matches without him.
Celta are not an easy opponent to beat. They are 11th with 13 points and have drawn seven of their 12 matches, with two wins and three defeats. They have scored 10 goals and conceded 10. Before the break they drew 0-0 with Levante, lost 1-2 to Union Saint-Gilloise and lost 0-3 at Rayo Vallecano.
Madrid have not drawn a single league match this season and now face a side that draws often. The matchday 13 fixture is on Sunday 22 November at 17:00 at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu.
Sources: Mundo Deportivo, Mundo Deportivo
