Solari names first Madrid squad

Gareth Bale, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Isco have been granted a rest after interim Real Madrid coach Santiago Solari named his first squad.

Madrid's first match since dismissing Julen Lopetegui after a 5-1 thrashing at Barcelona is a trip to Africa for the first leg of their Copa del Rey fourth-round clash with third-tier side Melilla on Wednesday.

The key quartet have been granted a break by Solari, who could hand maiden first-team appearances to Castilla trio Adrian de la Fuente, Javi Sanchez and Cristo Gonzalez.

Dani Carvajal (calf), Raphael Varane (groin), Marcelo (calf), Jesus Vallejo (hamstring) and Mariano Diaz (hamstring) are all absent due to injury.

 

October 31, 2018

Solari will take charge of his first game as Real Madrid manager. The Argentine was named caretaker Madrid boss after Julen Lopetegui was sacked in the wake of his side's 5-1 El Clasico loss to Barcelona on Sunday. 

The former Argentina and 'Los Blancos' midfielder steps up from his role as Castilla coach – just as Zidane did in 2016 – however Solari has played down comparisons.