Real Madrid look set to be boosted by the return of Thibaut Courtois for Wednesday's La Liga meeting with struggling Elche at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Owing to minor muscle damage, the Belgian goalkeeper was not part of the squad that won the Club World Cup in Morocco, but he is expected to return between the sticks this week, with Andriy Lunin dropping to the bench.

Having started each of the last three league games at left-back, Eduardo Camavinga should continue to deputise for the injured Ferland Mendy.

On the opposite side of defence, Dani Carvajal will start at right-back after grabbing an assist in Saturday's 5-3 victory over Al-Hilal, with David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger likely to complete the back four.

Carlo Ancelotti may be tempted to stick with the same midfield trio that started the Club World Cup final, meaning that Luka Modric, Aurelien Tchouameni and Toni Kroos will get the nod on Wednesday.

However, Ancelotti will not be able to call upon the suspended Vinicius Junior after the Brazilian winger picked a fifth yellow card of the season earlier this month, with Rodrygo likely to take Vinicius's place in the starting XI.

With Eden Hazard and Lucas Vazquez out injured, Federico Valverde is expected to join the attack alongside Karim Benzema, who will be looking to enhance his tally of nine goals in 12 La Liga games following muscular problems.

Real Madrid possible starting lineup: Courtois; Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Camavinga; Modric, Tchouameni, Kroos; Valverde, Benzema, Rodrygo