Zinedine Zidane gave two days off to his players before starting to prepare the crucial derby against Atlético Madrid at Wanda Metropolitano. The coach cannot count with 13 players, who have been called by their national teams to play before the World Cup. Luka Modric has still to earn his ticket to Russia.
Croatia: Luka Modric
Undoubtedly, Luka Modric has the most challenging games in this international break. Croatia has still to win their ticket to the World Cup and they face Greece in the European play-off. The Croatian team beat Ukraine (0-2) in the last game to finish second in their group. Unfortunately, Mateo Kovacic cannot help his team-mates because he’s still injured.
Germany: Toni Kroos
The German midfielder s qualified for the World Cup but his Federation have organized two challenging friendly games. The current world champion will face England and France.
Spain: Sergio Ramos, Isco, Asensio and Nacho
Spain also won their group beating Italy, so they can sit back and relax. Spain will face Costa Rica and Russia, both teams are also qualified for the World Cup.
Spain U-21: Vallejo, Ceballos and Mayoral
They are not enjoying many minutes with Real Madrid but they have an important role with the U-21 national team. They will play against Iceland and Slovakia,
France: Raphael Varane
Although he’s missed the last two games against Tottenham Hotspur and UD Las Palmas, Didier Deschamps called him to play against Wales and Germany.
Brazil: Casemiro and Marcelo
Both are important pieces for Zinedine Zidane and Tite. The ‘Canarinha’ is one of the favourites in Russia and they will prepare the World Cup with games against Japan and England.
Morocco: Achraf Hakimi
He’s becoming an important part of Real Madrid team, but he’s also enjoying a lot of minutes with his national team. They need to qualify yet for the World Cup and they face Ivory Coast.
Some other players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Keylor Navas or Gareth Bale will stay in Madrid and rest for the important derby against Atlético Madrid.
