Real Madrid lineup vs. Elche: Predicted XI for La Liga contest including Kylian Mbappe decision

Real Madrid are expected to have their leading goalscorer Kylian Mbappe in their starting side for Sunday's La Liga contest against promoted Elche.

The forward has been in excellent form for Los Blancos this season, scoring 18 goals and registering two assists in 16 appearances in all competitions.

Mbappe's availability for this match was placed in serious doubt when he withdrew from the France squad during the November international break due to an ankle issue, but the attacker should be able to lead the Real Madrid line on their return to La Liga action on Sunday.

Six players are definitely out, with Dani Carvajal (knee), Antonio Rudiger (muscle), Eder Militao (groin) on the sidelines alongside Aurelien Tchouameni (hamstring), David Alaba (muscle) and Franco Mastantuono (groin).

However, Thibaut Courtois (groin), Federico Valverde (hamstring), Eduardo Camavinga (muscle) and Dean Huijsen (groin) have all passed late fitness tests.

Tchouameni has made excellent progress in his recovery from a hamstring issue during the break, but the France international has not been risked for this match.

The team's defensive issues could lead to Raul Asencio operating in the middle, while Trent Alexander-Arnold might feature from the first whistle at right-back.

Real Madrid possible starting lineup: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras; Camavinga, Valverde, Guler; Bellingham; Vinicius, Mbappe