Kepa Arrizabalaga is still an injury doubt for Real Madrid, as they approach their next UEFA Champions League group stage clash- a home date with Napoli on Wednesday night.
Los Blancos should still be fine though, in the hands of Andriy Lunin, if Kepa can’t go. Lunin has certainly exceeded expectations as a third choice goalkeeper.
Real Madrid vs Napoli FYIs
Kickoff: Tue. Oct. 3, 8 pm, Estadio Santiago Bernabeu
Competition: UEFA Champions League Group C Matchday 5 of 6
Real Madrid Preview Content: Starting XI Prediction Team News
Transatlantic Passage: How the Premier League Redefined Soccer in America: LINK
UCL Group Form: Real Madrid WWWW Napoli DWLW
Google Result Probability: Real Madrid 52% Draw 25% Napoli 23%
Team News for Both Sides
Midfield maestro Luka Modric will likely be rested here as he came off against Cadiz with a knock.
Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao have been out since August with ACL injuries while both Vinicius (hamstring strain) and Eduardo Camavinga (torn knee ligament). Additionally, Aurielen Tchouameni is sidelined for the long-term with a metatarsal fracture whilst Arda Güler still hasn’t made his Madrid debut, as he continues recovery from a hamstring issue.
Shifting gears to Napoli, Mathias Olivera had to be stretchered out of the win over Atalanta, meaning he’ll now join the team’s only other injury absentees Jesper Lindstrom and Mario Rui on the sidelines.
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
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