How Real Madrid could line up against Sheriff Tiraspol

Real Madrid could be without four first-team players for their Champions League trip to Transnistria where they will face Sheriff Tiraspol on Wednesday night.

Gareth Bale (calf), Dani Ceballos (ankle) and Federico Valverde (knee) were all absent from Los Blancos' 4-1 La Liga victory against Granada on Sunday, and all three players are set to remain on the sidelines.

Belgium international Eden Hazard also missed out due to illness and will be assessed ahead of kickoff to see if he can feature at the Bolshaya Sportivnaya Arena.

After recovering from a hamstring injury over the international break, Brazilian winger Rodrygo came on as a substitute for the final 20 minutes at the weekend, and will now be in contention to start in attack.

However, Vinicius Junior and Marco Asensio – who both scored against Granada – are expected to retain their places in the first XI, joining talisman Karim Benzema up front.

In midfield, experienced trio Luka Modric, Casemiro and Toni Kroos are set to continue in the middle of the pitch, with Eduardo Camavinga an option for Carlo Ancelotti on the bench.

Eder Militao watched on as a substitute last time out, but the 23-year-old will likely replace Nacho in the starting lineup on Wednesday, joining David Alaba, Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy in the back four.

Real Madrid possible starting lineup: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Mendy; Kroos, Casemiro, Modric; Asensio, Benzema, Vinicius Jr