How Real Madrid could line up against Shakhtar Donetsk

Real Madrid will be without the services of number one goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois for Wednesday's Champions League contest with Shakhtar Donetsk.

Courtois was absent against Osasuna in La Liga at the weekend due to a back problem, and he did not train on Monday, with Andriy Lunin likely to continue between the sticks against Shakhtar.

Lucas Vazquez was again missing on Sunday due to a groin problem, but the Spaniard is back in the squad for this game, while Luka Modric has also returned for Los Blancos.

Modric was absent against Osasuna due to a minor hip problem, but the experienced midfielder returned to training on Monday and has put himself in contention for a spot in the side.

It would not be a surprise to see the Croatian start on the bench, though, as head coach Carlo Ancelotti will want to manage the midfielder's game time during a busy period.

As a result, Federico Valverde, who has largely played off the right of a front three this term, could feature in midfield alongside Aurelien Tchouameni and Toni Kroos.

If that is the case, Rodrygo could play alongside Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior in the final third of the field, but there could be a defensive change from the weekend.

Indeed, Eder Militao is pushing to replace Antonio Rudiger in the middle of the back four, with the latter and Dani Ceballos - out with a hamstring issue - potentially dropping out from the 1-1 draw with Osasuna.

Real Madrid possible starting lineup: Lunin; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouameni, Kroos; Rodrygo, Benzema, Vinicius