As his squad gets ready for their crucial Champions League semifinal match against Manchester City, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti announced on Friday that he would rest “tired” players for Saturday’s Liga match against struggling Getafe.

After this week’s first game at the Santiago Bernabeu ended in a 1-1 draw, Madrid will play the second leg in England on Wednesday.

Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema, Rodrygo Gomes, and David Alaba were identified by Ancelotti as uncertain starts for the Getafe match due to injuries.

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“We still have some doubts with players who picked up knocks Tuesday and have not yet recovered,” said Ancelotti.

“(Ferland) Mendy and (Dany) Ceballos will return, they can play tomorrow.

“I won’t be taking risks as we have fresh players but it will be a very demanding match against an opponent that’s fighting against relegation.”

Ancelotti added he did not know if Vinicius Junior, scorer of Madrid’s goal against City, would start but that he would feature.

“The players who have doubts are not going to play and those who do play have time to recuperate,” he said.

However, the Italian claimed that he will start a “competitive” lineup against Getafe in a match that Madrid must win to have any chance of catching league leaders Barcelona, who are currently in a commanding lead.

Ancelotti rejected claims that rival clubs involved in the relegation fight would feel wronged by Madrid’s use of a depleted squad.

“We’ll try to win tomorrow with the best team possible,” he said.

“I’ll try to preserve tired players but those who are available will play.”