How Real Madrid could line up against Athletic Bilbao

Real Madrid will travel to Athletic Bilbao on Sunday afternoon looking to stretch their lead at the top of La Liga to seven points.

Los Blancos have recorded six straight league wins since returning to action following the lockdown period, which has allowed them to open up a four-point advantage over second-placed Barcelona.

Zinedine Zidane's side will have the opportunity to move seven clear this weekend, though, as Barca are not in action until Sunday evening, when they take on top-four chasing Villarreal.

Here, Sports Mole looks at how Madrid could line up at San Mames.

Out: Nacho (thigh) Doubtful: Raphael Varane (head)

> Click here for Real Madrid's latest injury and suspension news ahead of this match

Madrid will again be without the services of versatile defender Nacho, but they are also sweating on the fitness of Raphael Varane, who picked up a head injury against Getafe on Thursday night.

The Frenchman had to be replaced in the first half of the 1-0 win after being hit in the face with a ball, and it is understood that he will be monitored in the build-up to kickoff on Sunday afternoon due to concerns over a potential concussion.

Various reports in Spain have suggested that Varane will win his race to be fit, which would be a huge boost for the current league leaders as they look to move seven points clear.

Eden Hazard was rested on Thursday night but should return to the XI for this match, potentially joining Karim Benzema and Isco in the final third of the field once again.

There is also a chance that Federico Valverde's energy could be preferred to Luka Modric's experience alongside Casemiro and Toni Kroos in the middle of the park.

There are not expected to be any major surprises in the Madrid side, with the likes of Marco Asensio, Rodrygo Goes and Vinicius Junior set to continue on the bench.