Girona and Real Madrid go head-to-head in La Liga on Sunday.
Real Madrid aim to maintain their top spot in the league while Girona fight for survival near the relegation zone.
Girona vs Real Madrid – Match preview and team news
- Date: Sunday, 30th November.
- Kick-off: 8pm BST.
- Venue: Estadi Municipal De Montilivi, Girona.
Girona team news
Girona face a mountain of injury challenges heading into this crucial encounter, with manager Michel Sánchez forced to work with a severely depleted squad.
Forward Portu suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee during training last week, and underwent surgery the following day, likely ruling him out for the entire season. Donny van de Beek has already been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign after rupturing his Achilles tendon. Central defender David Lopez continues to struggle with a muscle problem, having made just one appearance this season. His absence further weaks Girona’s already fragile defensive setup. Elsewhere, Thomas Lemar, Daley Blind, Juan Carlos, Ricard Artero, are all sidelined, while Alejandro Frances and Vladyslav Krapyvstov are listed as doubtful.
Real Madrid team news
Real Madrid have received encouraging news on the injury front, with manager Xabi Alonso set to welcome back four key players for the trip to Montilivi.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has fully recovered from gastroenteritis and is ready to return between the sticks, having missed the Champions League clash against Olympiacos in Athens.
Defender Antonio Rudiger, sidelined since the start of the season with a muscle injury but nearing full fitness, is expected to be available for selection. Eder Militao, who suffered a groin injury while representing Brazil in a friendly against Tunisia earlier in November, is also anticipated to return to the squad, though his availability will hinge on his final training session assessment.
Young Argentine talent Franco Mastantuono has been missing the last four fixtures due to pubalgia concerns. He has been steadily improving and is close to making a comeback. However, defender Dean Huijsen’s participation remains doubtful following a knee injury sustained during the match against Elche, with the young star currently training in the gym.
Dani Carvajal and David Alaba continue their rehabilitation processes and have been ruled out of Sunday’s fixture.
Form
Girona
The Catalan side secured a crucial 1-0 victory against Alaves before drawing 1-1 with Real Betis in their most recent encounter. Michel’s men currently sit in the relegation zone with just 11 points from 13 matches, boasting a negative goal difference of -13.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid sit atop La Liga with 32 points from 13 matches, having won 10, drawn 2, and lost just 1. Los Blancos secured an impressive 4-3 comeback victory against Olympiacos in the Champions League this midweek. Kylian Mbappé scoried all four goals in Greece.
Predicted lineups
Girona: Gazzaniga; Rincon, Martinez, Reis, Moreno; Martin, Witsel; Tsygankov, Ounahi, Gil; Vanat.
Real Madrid: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Tchouameni, Carreras; Guler, Camavinga, Valverde; Bellingham; Mbappe, Vinicius.
How to watch Girona vs Real Madrid?
UK viewers can watch Girona vs Real Madrid live on Premier Sports 1.
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