How Real Madrid could line up against Almeria

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has a near fully-fit squad at his disposal for Sunday's La Liga opener with newly-promoted Almeria.

Reinier Jesus will be absent once again as he seeks another loan exit, while Dani Carvajal and Rodrygo will also miss out after picking up injuries in training.

A full-strength XI took to the field on Wednesday in the UEFA Super Cup success over Eintracht Frankfurt, so Ancelotti may ponder a change or two here.

UEFA Men's Player of the Year nominee Thibaut Courtois will start in goal as ever, while Antonio Rudiger is pushing to be involved in the heart of defence but could lose out to David Alaba and Eder Militao again.

Carvajal's absence opens the door for Lucas Vazquez to start at right-back, and Ancelotti must also decide whether to risk Ferland Mendy from the first whistle.

Casemiro, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric should form the timeless midfield trio, as Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga also wait to provide fresh legs from the bench.

Karim Benzema - another UEFA Men's Player of the Year nominee - should be supported by Vinicius Junior as ever, and Federico Valverde should hold his place on the right in the absence of Rodrygo.

Real Madrid possible starting lineup: Courtois; Vazquez, Militao, Alaba, Mendy; Kroos, Casemiro, Modric; Valverde, Benzema, Vinicius Jr