Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has left Kylian Mbappe, Thibaut Courtois and Federico Valverde out of his squad for Wednesday's Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Real Sociedad.
Mbappe will not be involved due to a dental issue, while Courtois and Valverde have both been rested, with Andriy Lunin set to feature between the sticks, and Valverde being protected at a key stage of the campaign.
Real Madrid have also confirmed a fresh defensive injury, with Jesus Vallejo picking up a muscular problem.
"Following tests carried out on our player Jesus Vallejo by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with an injury to the femoral biceps of his left leg. Pending evolution," read a statement from Los Blancos.
Vallejo has joined Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao on the sidelines, but Jude Bellingham is back in the squad for the last-four contest, with the midfielder available again after being suspended against Girona in La Liga.
Ancelotti has only used Vallejo on one occasion this season, with the 28-year-old featuring for 10 minutes against Alaves in La Liga back in September, but he has not been involved since, the Spaniard is set to leave on a free transfer this summer.
© Imago
Real Madrid confirm Vallejo injury ahead of Real Sociedad clash
Gonzalo Garcia and Chema Andres earn spots in the squad due to the first-team absentees, while Arda Guler and Endrick will be hoping to earn minutes after their strugglers for football this season.
"It has always been difficult to play against Real Sociedad. It's an important semi-final for everyone. It will be a very even first game. And a tough one. Real play well," Ancelotti told reporters during his pre-match press conference.
The Real Madrid head coach also hit out at the "absurd calendar", with Real Madrid having a crowded fixture list in the coming weeks.
"Considering the absurd calendar we have we are doing very well. All the teams that are fighting, battling, are doing very well. It's unbelievable. I'm getting tired and you're getting tired. From what I hear and see. We need rest," he added.
Los Blancos have six matches before the March international break, including both legs of their Champions League last-16 clash with Atletico Madrid, but the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final will not take place until April 1.
Real Madrid squad vs. Real Sociedad:
Lunin, Gonzalez, Mestre; Alaba, Vazquez, F Garcia, Rudiger, Mendy, Asencio; Bellingham, Camavinga, Modric, Tchouameni, Guler, Ceballos, Chema; Vinicius, Rodrygo, Endrick, Brahim, Gonzalo
Matt Law
