Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti will be without the services of a number of first-team players for this weekend's La Liga contest with Cadiz at the Bernabeu.

The hosts will be missing Rodrygo, Marcelo, Marco Asensio, Andriy Lunin and Gareth Bale due to positive coronavirus tests, while Dani Ceballos remains out due to a long-term ankle problem.

Dani Carvajal and Karim Benzema have also emerged as doubts with muscular and hamstring issues respectively, and it is unlikely that Ancelotti will take any risks with the pair, so Lucas Vazquez and Luka Jovic could earn spots in the first XI for this match.

Luka Modric also tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week, but the midfielder has since tested negative, and it is understood that he could yet be involved in the squad.

Eden Hazard, who continues to be linked with a January exit, is also in a strong position to feature in the final third of the field, with Rodrygo, Asensio and Bale all self-isolating following their positive tests.

If Modric is unavailable, Eduardo Camavinga could join Toni Kroos and Casemiro in midfield, while the likes of Eder Militao, David Alaba, Ferland Mendy and Vinicius Junior are certain starters.

Mariano Diaz, Nacho, Federico Valverde and Isco will also be among those hoping to play a part due to the coronavirus situation at the club.

Real Madrid possible starting lineup: Courtois; Vazquez, Militao, Alaba, Mendy; Kroos, Casemiro, Camavinga; Hazard, Jovic, Vinicius

Written by
Matt Law