Sevilla ring the changes for Bernabéu battle with three key returns
Almeyda welcomes back Nyland, Marcao and Kike Salas as Sevilla face daunting trip to Real Madrid, where they haven't won in 17 years.
Sevilla boosted by trio of returnees for Madrid mountain climb
Matías Almeyda’s Sevilla head to the Spanish capital with a slightly stronger hand than expected, as three players return to the fold for Saturday’s daunting clash at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The Andalusians have been given a timely boost with goalkeeper Nyland and centre-backs Marcao and Kike Salas all back in the squad after recovering from their respective injuries. It’s a small ray of sunshine for a team desperately needing some good news after their midweek Copa del Rey elimination at the hands of Alavés.
Uphill battle at the Bernabéu
Let’s not beat around the bush – Sevilla’s record at Real Madrid’s fortress is proper pants. They haven’t managed a win there in 17 years, which is longer than some of their younger fans have been alive! The timing couldn’t be more challenging either, coming straight after that cup disappointment which has left the squad feeling rather deflated.
While the victory against Oviedo had briefly lifted spirits and potentially marked a turning point, the subsequent cup exit has brought everyone back down to earth with a right old bump.
Squad reshuffling
Compared to the midweek squad that travelled to Mendizorroza, Almeyda has made several changes:
- OUT: Academy products Rafa Romero, Iker Muñoz and Álex Costa drop out
- UNAVAILABLE: Chidera Ejuke and Akor Adams (both away with Nigeria for AFCON)
- INJURED: Azpilicueta, Nianzou and Rubén Vargas remain sidelined
The complete 24-man travelling squad includes: Odysseas, Nyland, Alberto Flores, Juanlu, Carmona, Marcao, Kike Salas, Ramón, Cardoso, Castrín, Suazo, Oso, Gudelj, Agoumé, Jordán, Manu Bueno, Mendy, Sow, Januzaj, Alfon, Miguel Sierra, Peque, Alexis and Isaac.
With injuries having plagued Sevilla throughout the season so far, these three returns provide Almeyda with some much-needed options as they look to cause an upset and end 2023 on a high note. They’ll need all the help they can get against the title-chasing Madrileños.