How Real Madrid could line up against Mallorca

Eder Militao is expected to make his first Real Madrid start since August in Saturday's La Liga clash with Mallorca.

The Brazil international made his return from an ACL injury as a late substitute against Athletic Bilbao at the end of last month, and he was then an unused substitute in Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg with Manchester City at Bernabeu.

Aurelien Tchouameni is suspended for the second leg against Man City next week, so it is thought that Militao will start against Mallorca on Saturday to test his fitness ahead of a potential position in the XI at the Etihad Stadium in the return European fixture.

Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga, Toni Kroos, Federco Valverde and Rodrygo are all likely to be rested this weekend.

Lucas Vazquez, Nacho and Fran Garcia could therefore start alongside Militao at the back, while Dani Ceballos is in line for a rare spot in midfield alongside Tchouameni and Luka Modric.

Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior are being tipped to keep their spots in the XI, with Brahim Diaz potentially joining them in the final third of the field.

Joselu and Arda Guler will also be among those hoping to secure minutes in the league affair, as Los Blancos look to open up an 11-point lead at the top of the table.

Real Madrid only have two confirmed absentees for this weekend's contest, with Thibaut Courtois and David Alaba remaining on the sidelines due to long-term knee injuries.

Real Madrid possible starting lineup: Lunin; Vazquez, Militao, Nacho, F Garcia; Ceballos, Tchouameni, Modric; Bellingham; Vinicius, Brahim