How Real Madrid could line up against Villarreal

Real Madrid have Aurelien Tchouameni back in their squad for Sunday's La Liga clash with Villarreal.

The France international was expected to be out until 2024 with a broken foot, but he has made a fast recovery from the injury and is set to be involved this weekend.

Tchouameni could feature on the bench, but Real Madrid remain without the services of a number of important players due to fitness problems.

Dani Carvajal, Vinicius Junior, Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Guler, Eder Militao and Thibaut Courtois will again all miss out in the team's penultimate match of the year.

Joselu's brace against Union Berlin in the Champions League on Tuesday night should mean that the Spain international retains his spot in the side for this match.

However, there will be changes from the XI that started the European affair, with Antonio Rudiger, Toni Kroos and Ferland Mendy set to feature from the first whistle.

Luka Modric should operate alongside Kroos and Federico Valverde in midfield, while Vazquez will continue at right-back in the absence of Carvajal.

Brahim Diaz's recent form has been good, but the Spaniard is expected to miss out on a spot in the first XI, with Jude Bellingham set to play behind a front two of Joselu and Rodrygo.

Real Madrid possible starting lineup: Kepa; Vazquez, Rudiger, Alaba, Mendy; Valverde, Kroos, Modric; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Joselu