Ancelotti clears uncertainty over Rodrygo’s form for Copa del Rey derby

Real Madrid will face Atlético Madrid in a Copa del Rey match set for Thursday (Today), January 18th at 3:30 p.m. ET.
by
Desmond Efe-Khaese
2024-01-18 13:15:30

It is the day of Real Madrid’s critical Copa del Rey match with Atlético Madrid, set for Thursday (Today), January 18th at 3:30 p.m. ET and there is a stir of concern regarding the team’s readiness. Key player Rodrygo was notably absent from the final team practice, seen instead in a deep conversation with head coach Carlo Ancelotti. This absence fueled widespread speculation about his potential unavailability for the highly anticipated derby match.

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However, Ancelotti, in a pre-match press briefing, dispelled these concerns by announcing that Rodrygo was fit to play. He explained that Rodrygo was given a lighter training regimen due to the need for rest, but would be fully ready for the game.

Compliments were also given to Rodrygo by Ancelotti, who remarked on the player’s recent surge in form. After a sluggish start to the season, the 23-year-old forward had become a pivotal figure in the team’s successes, particularly noted for his influential role in the Spanish Super Cup. Ancelotti emphasized that Rodrygo had returned to his peak performance level.