Endrick
Many Real Madrid fans want to see Endrick play more. The 18-year-old star has scored 2 goals despite only playing 47 minutes in 7 matches.
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 have 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 a year ago.
Ancelotti had suggested that Endrick could start in the last two matches against Espanyol and Alaves, but that did not happen. If the Brazilian striker starts, Real Madrid will lose a potential substitution from the bench, especially when they need to create a tactical change in the second half.
Luka Modric
One of the most likely options to replace Mbappe could be Luka Modric. However, this also comes with some risks. Lukita started in the 3-1 defeat to Atletico last season when Real played with 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 Wanda Metropolitano, Modric was pushed to the bench and only started 23 of the 53 matches last season.
Despite being 39 years old, Luka Modric still maintains his good fitness and endurance. This season, he has played 353 minutes, more than the same period last season (287 minutes). With the importance of the Derby, the Croatian midfielder could be a safe choice for Ancelotti, especially when he can always create special moments in important matches.
Arda Guler
Arda Guler has left a good impression on the Turkish national team at EURO 2024 and continues to maintain that form this season with Real Madrid. However, Guler has only started 3/9 matches for Los Blancos. The 2005-born star's weaknesses are her lack of experience and lack of 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 of the game but he is usually used as an attacking midfielder. With Bellingham and Valverde in midfield, the possibility of Guler starting is very low.
Eduardo Camavinga
Camavinga is currently recovering from a knee injury, a problem he encountered while training ahead of the European Super Cup. This means the French midfielder has not played a game this season. Although he is expected to be on the squad for the upcoming match, the possibility of the French star starting is very low.
If Carlo Ancelotti decides to use Eduardo Camavinga when he is not at 100%, it could be an adventure, especially when Luka Modric had difficulty with Atletico's speed in the match last season.
