Ancelotti cannot promise Kroos & Modric for El Clasico, despite calling them ‘untouchable’

Carlo Ancelotti labeled Toni Kroos and Luka Modric as “untouchable” at Real Madrid, but he did not confirm whether either midfielder would start against Barcelona.

On Wednesday, Madrid will visit Camp Nou for the second leg of a Copa del Rey semi-final tie.

They currently trail 1-0 following Eder Militao’s own goal in the previous encounter last month. During that game, Kroos (33) and Modric (37) both started but were substituted late in the second half.

Modric & Kroos played Significant role in Real Madrid triumphs in recent years

Kroos played the entire 6-0 victory over Real Valladolid on Sunday, while Modric was an unused substitute. This suggests that Ancelotti was protecting Modric before the third Clasico in a month. However, Madrid’s coach stated that neither of his experienced midfielders is assured of starting.

The Italian said:“Kroos and Modric are untouchable but that doesn’t mean they’re going to play tomorrow.

“There are many untouchables but then you have to choose an eleven. I have to think about the resources I have on the bench.

“Starting isn’t the most important thing, the important thing is to be effective [the game].”

Madrid reportedly leads the clubs interested in acquiring Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham, which could leave Kroos and Modric with uncertain futures, as they have a few months left on their contracts, despite reports suggesting that renewals are being considered.

Ancelotti added: “I see the players every day and they are very focused. It can be thought that when a contract ends it can affect them.

“It doesn’t affect them and I don’t have to tell them anything because they are very professional.

“Each one has to evaluate the role they have. It is the discussion that a player has to make and if they want to renew it is because they like the role they have.”