How Real Madrid could line up against Athletic Bilbao

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is facing uncertainty over several players for Thursday's Copa del Rey quarter-final with Athletic Bilbao at San Mames.

Ferland Mendy is one of three confirmed injury absentees alongside Karim Benzema and Mariano Diaz, but Marco Asensio has been passed fit to play.

Left-back Marcelo misses out through suspension after seeing red in the last-16 win over Elche, while Rodrygo, Federico Valverde, Casemiro and Vinicius Junior are included following their returns from international duty.

Andriy Lunin will expect to hold his place in between the sticks for Real, who should be able to count on the services of Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao - returning from Brazil duty early - in the rearguard.

With neither Mendy nor Marcelo available for the quarter-final, Ancelotti could opt to shift David Alaba to his former left-back position, with Nacho Fernandez partnering Militao in the middle.

Casemiro should be rested for Brazil against Paraguay in the early hours of Wednesday morning but may not be considered for a start here, so Eduardo Camavinga could join Toni Kroos and Luka Modric in the middle.

The same can also be said for Vinicius Junior as Tite prepares to rest the Real Madrid duo, and Asensio's lack of fitness may open up a spot for Gareth Bale to start on the right-hand side.

With Benzema not ready to lead the line due to his recent hamstring issue, Luka Jovic should act as the focal point of the attack as Eden Hazard earns another start on the left flank.

Real Madrid possible starting lineup: Lunin; Carvajal, Militao, Nacho, Alaba; Modric, Camavinga, Kroos; Bale, Jovic, Hazard