Zidane's new puzzle for the derby: Benzema, Vinicius or Isco

Benzema (33 years old), Isco (28) and Vinicius (20). Three players and three new pieces for Zidane's (48) sudoku game for the derby against Atlético de Madrid. Madrid have to win so as not to get lost in the fight for the league title. Or at least not lose, to continue in the wake of the rojiblancos. And for this Zidane must move his bench. Everything goes through training this Saturday (11:00 hours). Benzema should appear in it, as he did in Friday's session. The French striker will try again with the rest of his teammates with a view to being present in Sunday's starting XI at the Metropolitano (4:15 pm). Karim was injured two weeks ago now. He has missed three matches that could turn into four. He injured the adductor of his left leg. The Frenchman had a similar injury in November (now he is not in the same area), which prevented him from participating in three games: Villarreal, Inter Milan and Alavés.

If Karim is finally from the game, as everything seems to indicate, another clear front opens up for Zidane: the presence of Isco in the center of the field or the incursion of Vinicius accompanying Benzema and Asensio in the attack. Surely bet on Malaga. His last three appearances have been positive for Arroyo de la Miel: Valladolid, Atalanta and Real Sociedad. Precisely his good minutes against the Pucelano team opened the door to the ownership against the Bergamasco team, and incidentally against the San Sebastian. Simeone's more than safe bet to bring together four midfielders to drown the center of the white field reinforces that idea. As against Atalanta, the trio formed by Casemiro, Kroos and Modric would play, with the Malacitano occupying a position between false center forward, diamond tip (as a ball shuttle to Asensio and Benzema), or heeled to a band.

If Zidane decides on the presence of the Brazilian (he is increasing the benefits match by match) I would sacrifice a midfield player so that your tactical idea of ​​attacking with three players prevails. Something risky being a vital and transcendental match for Madrid's aspirations. Not surprisingly, Vinicius was key in the Madrid victory in the 2018-19 campaign, in which he caused a penalty and brought the right-back, Arias, down the street of bitterness, that day, and Godín.

Be that as it may, the sudoku puzzle that Zidane has with a view to Sunday's derby will begin to be solved after training on Saturday. In the third and last session with all the available players (except Ramos, Hazard, Mariano and Carvajal). And with the unknown Benzema (it may not be one hundred percent). The starting line-up that he has against his Madrid rival will depend on his presence or not.