How Real Madrid could line up against Atletico Madrid

Real Madrid will give Karim Benzema until the final minute to prove his fitness for Sunday's Madrid derby with Atletico Madrid at Bernabeu.

The France international was absent against Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday night due to the hamstring problem that he picked up in the 2-0 success over Real Sociedad in the league last weekend.

Benzema is believed to be winning his battle to be fit, though, and it would not be a surprise to see the centre-forward named in the home side's starting XI.

Dani Ceballos remains unavailable for selection due to an ankle injury, but like Benzema, Gareth Bale is in the squad, having recovered from a calf issue.

Aside from Ceballos, Los Blancos are in good shape, and head coach Carlo Ancelotti is not expected to spring any surprises when it comes to his team selection.

Indeed, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric should again start alongside Casemiro in a midfield three, while Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo are expected to get the nod in the final third of the field.

Real Madrid's back four also picks itself, with Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy operating in the full-back positions, and David Alaba joining Eder Militao in the heart of the back four.

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