After dropping points against Villarreal in the league and conceding the top spot, Real Madrid will want to win their first trophy of the season as they travel to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup.

They have been pitted against Valencia for the semi-finals of the competition, and will face the winner of Barcelona vs Real Betis if they qualify for the finals.

Carlo Ancelotti has called up 23 players for the tournament, with David Alaba being the big exception. The Austrian defender has been diagnosed with an injury to the soleus on his right calf.

Rest of the backline is fit, including Alvaro Odriozola and Jesus Vallejo.

Aurelien Tchouameni has been dropped for this competition after picking up a calf injury, too, but it’ll give him some well-deserved rest. The Frenchman has been seen minutes regularly, even after the World Cup, and is nowhere near his usual sharpness.

Castilla central midfielder Mario Martin has been given a chance to travel with the seniors, replacing the Frenchman.

Source: madriduniversal.com