How Real Madrid could line up against Athletic Bilbao

Real Madrid will again be without a number of important players when they travel to Athletic Bilbao in La Liga on Sunday night.

Los Blancos, who are currently second in the table, two points behind leaders Atletico Madrid, will be missing Lucas Vazquez, Dani Carvajal, Sergio Ramos, Ferland Mendy and Raphael Varane once again through injury.

Zinedine Zidane's side have also been hit by the news that Toni Kroos has been forced to self-isolate after coming into close contact with a person who tested positive for coronavirus, meaning that the Germany international is unlikely to be cleared to play in this match.

Aside from Kroos, it will essentially be the same squad that faced Granada, although Marcelo could potentially return, having missed out on his team's 4-1 win due to a slight knock.

Federico Valverde should retain his spot in the middle of the park, while there might again be positions for Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo alongside Karim Benzema as part of a front three.

Miguel Gutierrez excelled at left-back for the reigning champions and should keep his spot, but there might be a change on the opposite side, with Alvaro Odriozola potentially earning a start.

Marco Asensio and Eden Hazard are also options for change in the final third of the field, but Zidane is expected to reward those who impressed in the strong win over Granada last time out.

Real Madrid possible starting lineup: Courtois; Odriozola, Militao, Nacho, Gutierrez; Valverde, Casemiro, Modric; Vinicius, Benzema, Rodrygo

> Click here to see how Athletic could line up for this contest