How Real Madrid could line up against Rayo Vallecano

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti will again have to work around the absences of a number of important players when they head to Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Sunday afternoon.

Antonio Rudiger (muscle), Jude Bellingham (ankle), David Alaba (knee), Eder Militao (knee) and Thibaut Courtois (knee) remain unavailable for selection.

Ferland Mendy is also absent due to the milestone yellow card that he picked up in the clash with Girona last weekend, but there is good news on Brahim Diaz, who was forced off late on against RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Brahim's issue was related to his calf, but he has been passed fully fit and should keep his spot in the side.

Fran Garcia is set to benefit from Mendy's absence, while Aurelien Tchouameni will again be required to feature in the middle of the defence alongside Nacho.

Luke Modric is pushing to be involved in midfield, but it is likely to again be Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga and Toni Kroos in the positions behind the front three.

Meanwhile, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo will continue in the positions ahead of Brahim.

Real Madrid possible starting lineup: Lunin; Carvajal, Tchouameni, Nacho, F Garcia; Valverde, Kroos, Camavinga; Brahim; Rodrygo, Vinicius