Gareth Bale injury saves Carlo Ancelotti selection headache

Andy West 15:50 08/04/2015
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  • Gareth Bale has been booed by sections of the Bernabéu for not passing to Cristiano Ronaldo.

    Carlo Ancelotti could be spared an awkward selection dilemma by a minor injury to Gareth Bale when Real Madrid make the short crosstown journey to face in-form Rayo Vallecano tonight.

    With Isco back from his suspension, it was thought that Ancelotti would be forced to pick between the Spain international, who has earned lavish praise for his performances this season, or fit-again Colombian star James Rodriguez, who made an excellent return from injury in Sunday’s 9-1 thrashing of Granada.

    But the decision may now be taken out of his hands with the Italian coach revealed yesterday that Bale is a significant doubt for tonight’s derby.

    “There is a problem with Bale, who received a knock on his left foot. We will re-evaluate and then name the starting line-up,” said Ancelotti.

    The 55-year-old coach also argued that his future team selections will not force him to make a straight choice between Isco and James, insisting that he will use the full depth of his squad as they chase both domestic and European glory between now and the end of the season.

    “It is not a debate between Isco and James but rather a debate about the entire squad of players, who are all in full fitness at the moment,” he said.

    “One player is not more important than the other. James is doing really well in his first year here and Isco is also performing well – everyone is happy with him.

    “It is hard for a coach to make decisions but I am lucky to have two players of their quality, who are also capable of playing in a number of different positions.

    Cristiano Ronaldo is coming off the back of a five-goal-haul, including an eight minute hat-trick.

    “Bale, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo are also indispensable, but from time to time one of them will be rested.”

    The squad rotation policy will also include the goalkeeping position, with Ancelotti reluctantly admitting that Iker  Casillas is being targeted by some unhappy fans who believe the veteran’s best days are behind him.

    “Not all of the fans are behind Iker,” said the Madrid boss.

    “But we are used to this kind of thing and it won’t affect him because he understands this world and these supporters better than anyone.

    “It will act as extra motivation. Iker will start tonight but Keylor Navas will play [against Eibar] on Saturday.”

    Tonight’s game could be far from straightforward for Los Blancos as they travel to face a Rayo team who have climbed into the top half of the table by earning three consecutive victories.

    Rayo’s home form has been particularly strong, with Paco Jemez’s all-action team winning each of their last four outings at the Vallecas by a cumulative goal difference of 10-3.

    Seven of those goals have been scored by in-form striker Alberto Bueno – La Liga’s top-scoring Spaniard this season with a tally of 16 to his name.

    Although Los Blancos have won the last 13 consecutive meetings between the sides – a sequence dating back to 2000 – Ancelotti is wary of Rayo’s qualities.

    “They will be tough opponents,” he said. “They are dogged and well-organised with a clear style. We need to continue with the same attitude we had against Granada.”

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