Real Madrid could be without Pepe, Marcelo and Gareth Bale, but Zinedine Zidane says they’re “ready for Roma.”
The two sides face off at the Stadio Olimpico in the Champions League on Wednesday.
The Spaniards are on strong Liga form since Zidane took over from Rafa Benitez, but have some injury concerns.
Bale is out with a recurring problem, while Marcelo dislocated his shoulder this week.
Pepe didn’t take part in training today either due to plantar fasciitis.
Real Madrid could be without Pepe, Marcelo and Gareth Bale, but Zinedine Zidane says they’re “ready for Roma.”
The two sides face off at the Stadio Olimpico in the Champions League on Wednesday.
The Spaniards are on strong Liga form since Zidane took over from Rafa Benitez, but have some injury concerns.
Bale is out with a recurring problem, while Marcelo dislocated his shoulder this week.
Pepe didn’t take part in training today either due to plantar fasciitis.
Real Madrid crushed Athletic Bilbao 4-2 last night with Cristiano Ronaldo bagging a brace.
Raphael Varane had a nightmare at the back, capped off by a red card.
“Mistakes are always going to happen, but I’m not worried about them,” said Zidane.
“We’re prepared for Roma and I’m happy with the team. I don’t know if it was our most complete game, but the most important thing is that we gave our all.
“I’m glad for Mateo Kovacic. He played very well and I took him off because he was tired, but I’m happy with his performance.
“The best thing is that we won because our opponents were difficult. You can never be the sole owner of the ball and be the only team to create chance, but we must keep our mistakes to a minimum.
“I only sought to give minutes to Kovacic, nothing more. I have a big squad.
“I didn’t think [Varane’s] red card was fair. I haven’t seen the images, but I didn’t think it was fair [at the time it happened].
“Cristiano [Ronaldo] is very important on the wing because when facing an opponent one-on-one, he’s very good.
“That was the idea and it worked because it’s difficult to defend the first goal he scored. I don’t know if I can say it, but… he was bloody great.
“[The full-backs] played well and will again on Wednesday. It’s not [Dani] Carvajal’s usual position [on the left], but he did a good job.
“[On Kovacic starting against Roma], I won’t think about that until Sunday because for now, I’ll enjoy this victory.
“I’m happy for [James’] goal. He’s slowly recapturing his form.”
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