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Real still looking for winning start for this season


Bangladeshpost
Published : 13 Sep 2019 08:36 PM | Updated : 04 Sep 2020 03:39 PM

Real Madrid will be looking to win in La Liga for the first time since the opening weekend of the campaign when they welcome Levante to the Bernabeu on Saturday afternoon, say agencies.

Eden Hazard could return from injury to make his first appearance this weekend, though, and there have been positive signs early on despite Madrid drawing their last two in the league against Real Valladolid and Villarreal.

Zidane's squad is certainly looking a lot healthier at the moment as the likes of Hazard, James Rodriguez and Brahim Diaz have all returned to full training following injury. Isco is also not too far away, meanwhile, and the Madrid boss will need a strong squad at his disposal in the coming weeks. 

While Madrid have had a lot of players away on international duty in September, Levante's squad have had time to rest and indeed work on a number of things ahead of Saturday's contest. It is a tough ask to expect the visitors to triumph this weekend, but a point at the Bernabeu would represent another big step forward.

Madrid's squad is looking a lot healthier at the moment, and there is expected to be a debut for Hazard this weekend with the Belgium international rejoining the main group for training this week.

A thigh injury has kept the attacker out thus far, but he should be fit to play some part for the Spanish giants - even if that means appearing from the bench.

As mentioned, James is also back from injury to boost Zidane's side, who will be without Bale after his red card in the latter stages of the clash with Villarreal last time out.

Luka Jovic also trained on Wednesday despite picking up an injury while representing Serbia during the international break, while Brahim Diaz has also been involved this week as he battles back to fitness.

The match will come too soon for Isco and Rodrygo Goes, though, while Marco Asensio is a long-term absentee following a knee operation.

Luka Modric should return to the middle of the park after starting on the bench against Villarreal, while Marcelo could replace Ferland Mendy at left-back.

Rober Pier and Coke remain on the sidelines for Levante, who are expected to select on-loan Borja Mayoral in the final third despite the Spaniard being contracted to Madrid.

Head coach Paco Lopez could decide to select the same team that started the win over Valladolid before the international break, with Ruben Rochina playing in a wide position.

Mayoral's involvement is perhaps the only main talking point in terms of team selection, and Leon will be on standby for a spot alongside Roger Marti if the Madrid forward is left out.