How Real Madrid could line up against Levante

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is expected to recall a number of key players to his starting side for Thursday's La Liga contest with relegation-threatened side Levante.

The Italian made seven changes for the Madrid derby against Atletico Madrid, which the reigning champions lost 1-0, with the match coming after their Champions League semi-final success over Manchester City.

Ancelotti will need to balance resting players and keeping them match fit over the next couple of weeks, so Thursday's team is likely to have a much more familiar look.

Eden Hazard is back into first-team training following a leg operation, but the Belgium international will again be unavailable for selection here and could ultimately miss the rest of the season.

Marcelo, Dani Ceballos, Isco, Gareth Bale and David Alaba are also still out, while Dani Carvajal (rest) and Marco Asensio (ankle) are not in the squad.

A number of key players should be recalled, though, with Federico Valverde, Vinicius Junior, Luka Modric, Ferland Mendy, Thibaut Courtois and Karim Benzema all in line to come into the XI.

Toni Kroos could potentially have a rest from the start, but Rodrygo might retain his spot in the final third, forming part of a front three with the returning Vinicius and Benzema, while Nacho could switch across from left-back to the middle to allow Mendy to return to the side.

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