La Liga

How Real Madrid could line-up versus Real Sociedad

The defending champions in Spain face a tough task in their opening match of the 2020/21 season as they travel to the Anoeta

9:00am on Sunday 20th September 2020
By Martin Macdonald

Real Madrid begin the defence of their La Liga title on Sunday night against Real Sociedad.

And the major news from Zinedine Zidane's squad is that Eden Hazard is not part of the group that has travelled for the clash, having been deemed to be lacking fitness.

Gareth Bale and Sergio Reguilon both completed moves to Tottenham on Saturday so weren't selected either, but the loan return of Martin Odegaard and his inclusion in the squad does make for interesting viewing.

Real Madrid's squad list for Sunday's match against Real Sociedad. VAMOS 💪

Players NOT called up: Hazard, Asensio, Isco, Militão, Vazquez & Mariano. pic.twitter.com/mf33kuApa2
— Real Madrid News (@onlyrmcfnews) September 19, 2020

The Norwegian's loan at La Real has been ended a season early because Zidane sees him as part of his plans for the season, so whether the Frenchman calls on him for this match could set the template for Madrid's team for the season.

Head coach Zinedine Zidane has a list of injury issues which means as well as Hazard, Marco Asensio, Lucas Vazquez, Mariano Diaz and Eder Militao have not made the trip.

In attack, Karim Benzema will lead the line as always and given the injury list, it could be the Brazilian duo of Rodrygo and Vinicius Jnr featuring either side of him.

Zidane may opt for stability in midfield with the experience of Luka Modric being used alongside Toni Kroos and Casemiro, with Odegaard an option from the bench.