Ancelotti: "If you don't want to get injured, stay on the couch"

and

were both sidelined for Real Madrid's Champions League match against

RB Leipzig

, but coach Carlo Ancelotti insisted that his team won't be playing scared heading to the World Cup.

With a four-point lead over Leipzig at the top of Group F and a win on Tuesday against the Bundesliga club, Madrid can clinch first place in the group with a game to spare.

To make matters more difficult, Madrid will play without Modric, Benzema, and the in-form

Federico Valverde

, who picked up an injury in Saturday's victory over

Sevilla

.

All three players are expected to play a significant role in the next World Cup, which kicks off in less than a month, but Ancelotti does not believe the competition is influencing the mindset of his players. 

"I don't think they think about it. It is better to enter the World Cup well, with continuity,"

Ancelotti said at his pre-match news conference

. They are small things, and we don't want to risk them at an important moment. It is better to lose Modric and Karim for one day than for a month."

"Injuries exist in football. If you don't want to get injured, stay on the couch. I tell my players that. Nothing can be done. I don't think the players are worried about this. If anyone is afraid of training, I tell them to stay home; there are many good series and movies."

Ancelotti thinks the scheduling of the World Cup may benefit his side after a hectic stretch of contests, especially because Madrid is now atop La Liga after winning 10 of their first 11 matches. Ancelotti chimed in,

"We are holding it well. We have some problems, which is normal when you play every three days. The World Cup comes at the right time."

"The club knows very well what I think, and so does Asensio. Soon there is a long break, and it is time to talk about this issue,"

Ancelotti said.

Until the first phase is over, I don't think we should talk about this issue. What I ask of those who play less is that they be serious, professional and endure the difficult moments. That's what Asensio and the rest who play less do. Tomorrow we have casualties and their contribution can increase."

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