It's hard to say whether or not to be concerned for Mallorca ahead of their clash with Real Madrid. On one hand Los Blancos are not playing their best soccer at the moment and have several injuries that are forcing some less than preferred adjustments from Jose Mourinho. On the other hand, Madrid are likely smarting from their mid-week loss to Borussia Dortmund and will likely be looking to take out some of their frustrations on Mallorca.
Mallorca vs. Real Madrid: Preview and TV schedule
Real Madrid need to come together in the wake of their loss to Dortmund and several injuries to key starters
The two big issues facing Mourinho will be at left back where the absence of Marcelo, Fábio Coentrão and Alvaro Arbeloa forced Michal Essien to fill in at the position against Dortmund. It didn't go so well which leaves the choice of whether to stick with Essien or start 22-year-old Nacho. Moving Essien to left back likely forces Luka Modric to start in a holding midfield role with Xabi Alonso.
Mallorca will look to continue their solid start to the season with a rare victory over Madrid. New signing Giovanni Dos Santos was excellent in his debut against Sevilla on Monday, scoring two goals in Mallorca's win. That kind of performance should earn him a sport in the lineup.
Mallorca injuries and suspensions
Out: Antonio Lopez (knee), Nunes (knee), Joao Victor (knee), Javi Marquez (ankle). In doubt: None.
Real Madrid injuries and suspensions
Out: Sami Khedira (muscle), Marcelo (broken foot), Fábio Coentrão (groin), Alvaro Arbeloa (hamstring). In Doubt: None.
Khedira is expected to miss a couple weeks after reactivating a muscle injury against Dortmund. Coentrão and Arbeloa re close to returning but did not make the trip to Mallorca. Marcelo remains out until after the new year with his broken foot.
Match Date/Time: 11:30 p.m. local, 4:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Iberostar Estadi, Palma, Spain
TV: beIN Sport 1 (U.S.), Sky Sports 1 (U.K.)
See More:
