How Real Madrid could line up against Granada

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane is dealing with a defensive injury crisis before his side travel to take on Granada in Thursday's La Liga battle.

The reigning champions remain without Raphael Varane (abductor) and Sergio Ramos (hamstring) for the time being, so Nacho Fernandez and Eder Militao will form a protective barrier in front of Thibaut Courtois.

Alvaro Odriozola started against Sevilla but thigh discomfort prevented him from training fully earlier this week, and with Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez both on the treatment table, Federico Valverde may have to fill in at right-back.

On the other side of defence, Zidane is hit with the absence of Ferland Mendy with a calf issue, while Marcelo is not thought to be at 100% fitness either, so 19-year-old Miguel Gutierrez could make his first senior start for Los Blancos.

Casemiro and Toni Kroos are untouchable in the engine room, but Luka Modric may be spared with the weekend's meeting with Athletic Bilbao in mind, meaning that Isco could enjoy a rare run-out.

Marco Asensio is set to start on the right flank as Valverde is pushed further back, with the Spaniard coming off the bench alongside Eden Hazard to net in the recent draw with Sevilla.

Hazard should be fit enough to displace Vinicius Junior on the left after his late equaliser on Sunday, with the two wingers once again supporting Karim Benzema as he aims to avoid a fourth La Liga game without a goal.

Real Madrid possible starting lineup: Courtois; Valverde, Militao, Nacho, Gutierrez; Casemiro, Kroos, Isco; Asensio, Benzema, Hazard

> Click here to see how Granada could line up for this contest