How Real Madrid could line up against Girona

Real Madrid's squad has been boosted by the returns of Dani Ceballos, Mariano Diaz, Luka Modric and Federico Valverde for this weekend's clash with Girona.

Ceballos (calf) and Mariano (knock) have recently been unavailable for selection, with the pair again missing out against RB Leipzig in the Champions League last week, but both players are back in training and in the squad.

Modric is also be available after missing the 3-2 loss to Leipzig due to an adductor problem, while Valverde returns to the squad, having been missing in Germany due to a knock.

Karim Benzema, though, is still not ready to return from a muscular problem. The 34-year-old has now missed his side's last two matches, and Real Madrid will not be taking any risks when it comes to the centre-forward.

As a result, Rodrygo could start through the middle on Sunday afternoon, with the returning Valverde potentially featuring off the right.

Head coach Carlo Ancelotti will make changes to the side that started against Leipzig, with David Alaba, Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy expected to return at the back.

Lucas Vazquez, Nacho, Antonio Rudiger, Eduardo Camavinga and Marco Asensio are likely to be the five players to drop back down to the bench for the contest with Girona.

Real Madrid possible starting lineup: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Mendy; Modric, Tchouameni, Kroos; Valverde, Rodrygo, Vinicius