Endrick
Many Real Madrid fans would like to see Endrick play more. The 18-year-old has scored two goals in just 47 minutes of seven games.
However, Carlo Ancelotti is not the type of coach to take risks when using an inexperienced player like Endrick, especially in an important match like the Madrid Derby. Los Blancos are 4 points behind leaders Barcelona and they must take 3 points. Notably, the "White Vultures" are on a 39-match unbeaten streak in La Liga and the last time Carletto's team lost was against Atletico exactly 1 year ago.
Ancelotti had suggested Endrick could start in the last two games against Espanyol and Alaves but that did not happen. If he started, Real Madrid would lose a potential substitute option from the bench, especially if they needed to make a tactical change in the second half.
Luka Modric
One of the most likely options to replace Mbappe could be Luka Modric. However, this comes with some risks. Lukita started in the 3-1 defeat to Atletico last season when Real used a diamond formation in midfield.
In that match, the Royal team was overwhelmed and Ancelotti was forced to change the system, using Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde as midfielders to support the full-backs. After the defeat at the Wanda Metropolitano, Modric was relegated to the bench and started only 23 of the 53 matches last season.
Despite being 39 years old, Luka Modric has maintained his good physical condition and durability. This season, he has played 353 minutes, more than the same period last season (287 minutes). Given the importance of the Derby, the Croatian midfielder could be a safe bet for Ancelotti, especially when he can always create special moments in important matches.
Arda Guler
Arda Guler impressed for Turkey at EURO 2024 and has continued that form this season with Real Madrid. However, Guler has only started 3/9 matches for Los Blancos. The weakness of the 2005-born star is his lack of experience and physical strength. This makes it difficult for him to become the first choice in an important match like the Madrid Derby.
Ancelotti said Guler can contribute to the build-up play but he is usually used as an attacking midfielder. With Bellingham and Valverde in midfield, Guler's chances of starting are slim.
Eduardo Camavinga
Camavinga is currently recovering from a knee injury, which he picked up in training ahead of the UEFA Super Cup. This means the French midfielder has not played a single game this season. Although he is expected to be in the squad for the upcoming match, the chances of him starting are slim.
If Carlo Ancelotti decides to use Eduardo Camavinga when he is not at 100%, it could be a risk, especially when Luka Modric struggled with Atletico's pace in the match last season.
