How Real Madrid could line up against Valencia

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti will reinstate a number of important players in the starting XI when Los Blancos face Valencia in La Liga on Saturday night.

Ancelotti rung the changes for Wednesday's Copa del Rey contest against Alcoyano, with a number of squad players being given opportunities to impress.

Mariano Diaz picked up a hamstring problem during the 3-1 victory, though, and will be unavailable for selection here, while Dani Carvajal is absent with a calf issue.

Luka Jovic, who recently tested positive for COVID-19, and Gareth Bale, who is currently struggling with a fitness issue, have also been left out of the squad.

Vinicius Junior is back in the squad, though, having now tested negative for coronavirus, and the Brazilian could start alongside Rodrygo and Karim Benzema in the final third of the field.

Ancelotti is expected to name his first-choice midfield three, with Casemiro bring joined by Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, so Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga will drop to the bench.

Lucas Vazquez should again feature at right-back, with Carvajal left out of the squad, while Ferland Mendy will be back at left-back for the division leaders.

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