How Real Madrid could line up against Athletic Bilbao

Real Madrid will be missing Dani Carvajal for Sunday's Spanish Super Cup final against Athletic Bilbao after the Spanish defender tested positive for COVID-19.

Carvajal, who has only just returned from injury, is expected to be replaced in the starting lineup by Lucas Vazquez for this weekend's clash with the holders of the competition.

Real Madrid are also set to be without the services of David Alaba, who missed out against Barcelona in the semi-finals due to a hamstring issue, with Nacho in line to continue in the middle of the defence.

There could potentially be a change in the final third of the field, with Rodrygo pushing to replace Marco Asensio, but Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema will again be starters.

Ancelotti is expected to resist the temptation to alter his midfield, though, meaning that Federico Valverde, who scored the winner against Barcelona, will more than likely have to accept a position on the bench once again.

Eden Hazard, Eduardo Camavinga and Luka Jovic are also expected to be among the substitutes for the La Liga leaders on Sunday.

Real Madrid travelled to Saudi Arabia without Mariano Diaz and Gareth Bale due to hamstring and back injuries respectively, so the pair are absent alongside Carvajal.

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