How Real Madrid could line up against Rayo Vallecano

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti will be without David Alaba and Gareth Bale for Saturday's clash with Rayo Vallecano, as both players are suffering with muscular overload.

Mariano Diaz (pelvis) and Federico Valverde (stomach illness) are expected to be declared available for selection, but Alaba and Bale are not part of the squad.

Los Blancos have not been in action since beating Alaves 3-0 last weekend, so Ancelotti is unlikely to rotate his squad for the contest with Rayo.

Toni Kroos should be back in the side, having been rested last time out, with the German expected to take the position of Valverde even if the Uruguayan returns from illness, while Nacho is likely to replace Alaba.

Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior are certain starters in the final third of the field, while Marco Asensio should retain his spot despite competition from Rodrygo and Eden Hazard.

Luka Jovic and Eduardo Camavinga will be among those hoping to earn minutes this weekend, but Ancelotti will not want to take any chances with his team selection, as the division leaders look to open up a nine-point advantage over second-placed Sevilla.

There could be changes for next weekend's league clash with Real Sociedad, though, which comes just four days before the second leg of their last-16 Champions League contest against Paris Saint-Germain.

Real Madrid possible starting lineup: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Nacho, Mendy; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Asensio, Benzema, Vinicius