How Real Madrid could line up against Espanyol

Real Madrid will be without the services of three players for Saturday's La Liga clash with Espanyol.

Ferland Mendy and David Alaba are definitely out of the contest at Bernabeu, with the duo continuing their recoveries from hamstring problems.

Meanwhile, Karim Benzema will be absent due to a knock to his ankle, but the striker is expected to be available for next week's Champions League last-16 second leg with Liverpool.

Antonio Rudiger had also emerged as a doubt due to a knock that he picked up in training, but the Germany international has been included in the squad and should start here.

Eduardo Camavinga is likely to continue as the left-back, with Dani Carvajal set to come in at right-back after starting on the bench against Real Betis.

Luka Modric was suspended last weekend but could also be brought back into the XI, with Rodrygo potentially starting through the middle on Saturday afternoon.

Ancelotti has plenty of options in midfield, but Toni Kroos and Aurelien Tchouameni should retain their spots in the side, with Dani Ceballos expected to start on the bench this weekend.

Real Madrid possible starting lineup: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Camavinga; Modric, Tchouameni, Kroos; Valverde, Rodrygo, Vinicius