How Real Madrid could line up against Espanyol

Real Madrid will be missing eight players for Sunday's La Liga clash against Espanyol.

Dani Ceballos, Gareth Bale, Marcelo, Ferland Mendy and Dani Carvajal remain on the treatment table for Los Blancos, while Marco Asensio, Isco and Mariano Diaz have been late withdrawals from the squad.

Head coach Carlo Ancelotti will make changes from the side that took to the field for the shock Champions League loss to Sheriff Tiraspol, with Lucas Vazquez pushing to feature at right-back, which could see Nacho move to the opposite side.

At least one of Toni Kroos or Luka Modric will come into the XI, with the former potentially being given the nod alongside Casemiro and Federico Valverde as part of a midfield three.

Ancelotti also has a decision to make in the final third of the field; Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema will both start barring any late setbacks, but the other position in attack is open.

Eden Hazard found it difficult to make his mark against Sheriff and is unlikely to start, while Asensio is seemingly viewed as more of a midfielder by his manager this term, and the Spaniard will not be available here due to a muscular issue.

Rodrygo came off the bench during Tuesday's Champions League defeat, and the Brazilian could now earn a start as part of a front three.

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