Carlo Ancelotti has named his team to face the Catalan side with the likes of Ceballos, Valverde and Rudiger starting on the bench.
There is no let-up for Real Madrid with games coming thick and fast with “Los Blancos” anxious stay in touch at the top of the table with both Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona recording wins on Saturday.
Ancelotti’s side face Girona at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday afternoon and the Italian coach opts to rotate his side aware of the challenges ahead as Madrid travel to San Sebastian next Wednesday in the Spanish Cup. They then travel to Seville to face Betis next weekend ahead of the Tuesday, March 4 Champions League Round of 16 game at home to Atleti.
No Bellingham for Madrid
Madrid will have to adapt to life without Jude Bellingham with the English international set to two suspensions: one in LaLiga and one in the Champions League.
The midfielder was sent off against Osasuna in their recent game in the domestic championship after he swore at referee José Luis Munuera Montero.
Debate has raged as to whether the midfielder said ‘f*ck off’ or `f*ck you`.
His straight red card was followed up with a 2 game ban, meaning he will have to watch from the stands as Madrid take on Girona at home today and Real Betis in LaLiga next weekend.
Bellingham also picked up a yellow card as Madrid outclassed City in the UCL playoff and will miss the Round of 16 first leg against Simeone’s side.
RM XI vs Girona
David Alaba is back after his serious ACL injury and subsequent setback and returns to the starting eleven 434 days later. Lucas Vázquez also returns as Brahim plays in place of Bellingham. Valverde, Rüdiger and Ceballos are all rested and start on the bench.