How Real Madrid could line up against Villarreal

Real Madrid's third La Liga game of the 2019-20 campaign sees them make the trip to Villarreal on Sunday night.

Zinedine Zidane's side have beaten Celta Vigo and drawn with Real Valladolid in their two league matches thus far this season, collecting four points to sit in third spot in the table.

Los Blancos recorded a 3-2 win when the two teams last met at the Bernabeu in May, but the last two La Liga games at the home of Villarreal have finished 2-2.

It will be Madrid's final match before the first international break of the season, meaning that Zidane will be desperate to return to winning ways ahead of their next fixture at home to Levante on September 14.

Here, Sports Mole looks at how the visitors could line up at the Estadio de la Ceramica.

Out: Marco Asensio (knee), Eden Hazard (thigh), Brahim Diaz (hamstring), Rodrygo Goes (hamstring), Isco (hamstring), James Rodriguez (calf)

James Rodriguez and Isco are the latest players to join Madrid's injury list, with the former unavailable for selection due to a calf problem, while the latter has a hamstring strain.

The fact that Brahim Diaz, Rodrygo Goes and Marco Asensio are also on the sidelines is an indication of the lack of options that Zidane has to choose from in the final third.

Eden Hazard did train on Friday as the Belgium international steps up his recovery from a thigh problem - this game will come too soon for the summer arrival, though.

There is some good news, however, with key midfielder Luka Modric available for selection after missing the draw with Valladolid last weekend through suspension.

Gareth Bale has benefited from the club's injury problems to start the season in the team, and the Welshman should again join Karim Benzema in attack, with Vinicius Junior potentially taking the other spot.

There are not expected to be any changes further back, though, meaning that central defender Eder Militao might have to wait to make his debut for the European giants.