Real Madrid have been dealt an injury blow regarding left-back Ferland Mendy ahead of Thursday's La Liga clash against managerless Valencia at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The 27-year-old sustained a hamstring injury in the Copa de Rey victory against rivals Atletico Madrid last week and the Frenchman is now set for around two months on the treatment table.
Versatile wideman Lucas Vazquez is also unavailable for selection as he continues to recover from a sprained ankle sustained in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final win over Valencia earlier this month, while David Alaba – who has missed the last six matches with a calf problem – is another who remains sidelined.
However, Carlo Ancelotti is able to welcome back midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni and right-back Dani Carvajal for Thursday's fixture following spells out with respective calf and muscle injuries, and the Italian boss has confirmed that the former "will start" against Valencia.
Midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, who started at left-back in the goalless draw with Real Sociedad on Sunday, will retain his place in defence in the absence of both Mendy and Alaba, joining Nacho Fernandez, Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger in the back four.
Luka Modric began on the substitutes' bench against Sociedad, but the 37-year-old is expected to be recalled on Thursday to join Toni Kroos in the middle of the pitch, with Dani Ceballos set to drop down to the bench.
Federico Valverde operated in the three-man midfield last time out, but the Uruguay international may challenge Rodrygo for a place on the right flank, while Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema – the latter of whom has scored nine goals in his last seven games against Valencia – are set to continue in attack.
Real Madrid possible starting lineup: Courtois; Nacho, Militao, Rudiger, Camavinga; Kroos, Tchouameni, Modric; Valverde, Benzema, Vinicius Jr
Oliver Thomas
