Kroos ready to face Chelsea, Mendy out

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has confirmed that midfielder Toni Kroos will be available when Los Blancos host Chelsea in the first leg of the Champions League Semifinals this Tuesday. Kroos missed Real Madrid’s last two games but rejoined the squad in training on Sunday, so he should be 100% ready to start.

On the other hand, Zidane admitted that starting left-back Ferland Mendy will miss the first leg. Mendy could be ready for the return leg, but Zidane will have to choose between Marcelo and Nacho for the left-back spot against a Chelsea side who are very powerful through the wings.

Nacho seems to be the most likely option, given how well Militao has been performing as a center-back lately. Marcelo hasn’t been reliable as a left-back for the last year or so, and while he has the experience to complete a good performance, Nacho’s presence would increase Madrid’s chances of keeping a clean sheet.