Rayo arrive at the Bernabeu on the brink: Nteka drops out and Balliu rushes to the end

Rayo Vallecano

Suspensions have also cut down the coach's options for the match. Jorge de Frutos, who was handed a two-game ban after his sending off against Racing de Santander, and Fran Pérez, who must serve a one-match suspension, will not be available for the white-clad side.

They are joined by other absences that were already affecting the preparation of Rayo Vallecano. Batalla and Luiz Felipe are also among the confirmed dropouts for Beñat San José, while Isi Palazón continues to recover without success and, unless there is a positive late development, he also will not be available.

8

Randy Nteka
650.000€-120.000€ -

J4

2

J3

4

J2

2

J1

DL

00

The negative news from recent days is Nteka's injury. The forward picked up the problem during a training session and the coach confirmed his absence: “Nteka got injured while training, he had a muscular problem”.

6

Balliu
1.010.000€-30.000€ 5

J4

-1

J3

-

J2

2

J1

DF

00

The situation is different for Balliu. The full-back finished the game injured after taking a heavy challenge against Racing and his chances of playing against Real Madrid remain open. San José explained his status without ruling the player out just yet: “Balliu suffered a very hard challenge against Racing and has a battered ankle, but he is a very brave player and is doing everything to make it”.

Several pieces still need to find their rhythm

The number of players available is not the only factor affecting Beñat. Giorgi Tsitaishvili has just joined the squad and has only played a few minutes since arriving, specifically in the match against Racing.

The latest defensive reinforcements, Marash Kumbulla and Mujaid Sadick, are in a similar situation. Both continue to make progress in integrating into the group's dynamics and still need to build up more competitive rhythm.

With this scenario, the flanks appear to be particularly affected. Álvaro García presents himself as one of the options available for one side, while the coaching staff will have to manage the rest of the choices from a squad shaped by injuries, suspensions and the physical condition of some of the recent arrivals.

Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano will face each other this Saturday, September 12, at 21:00 in the Santiago Bernabéu.