How Real Madrid could line up against Alaves

Real Madrid are set to be without at least seven players for Thursday's La Liga encounter with Alaves at Mendizorroza.

Los Blancos were dealt a huge injury blow on Sunday as defender David Alaba torn his ACL in the 4-1 victory over Villarreal, which is set to rule the Austrian out for the rest of the season.

Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao are also long-term absentees with knee injuries, while Eduardo Camavinga (knee), Dani Carvajal (calf), Arda Guler (muscle) and Vinicius Junior (thigh) are all targeting a return in the New Year.

The absence of Alaba is set to see Nacho Fernandez handed a start at centre-back alongside Antonio Rudiger, but manager Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni can also operate in central defence if required.

Ferland Mendy was replaced at half time in the win over Villarreal with a thigh injury and has emerged as a doubt for Thursday, so Fran Garcia could deputise at left-back as Lucas Vazquez continues on the right; Kepa Arrizabalaga, meanwhile, is expected to return between the sticks at the expense of Andriy Lunin.

Federico Valverde, Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Jude Bellingham all started against Villarreal, the latter two also scored, and the quartet are in contention to retain their places in midfield, but Ancelotti could turn to Tchouameni or Dani Ceballos if he wishes to freshen up his starting lineup.

In attack, Rodrygo and Brahim Diaz may retain their places in the first XI after scoring at the weekend, but the latter will likely face competition from former Alaves striker Joselu.

Real Madrid possible starting lineup: Kepa; Vazquez, Rudiger, Nacho, Garcia; Valverde, Kroos, Modric; Bellingham; Diaz, Rodrygo