Real Madrid lineup vs. Villarreal: Predicted XI for La Liga clash

Kylian Mbappe is set to return to the Real Madrid XI for Saturday's La Liga contest against Villarreal, with the Frenchman featuring off the bench in Wednesday's 1-0 defeat to Lille in the Champions League.

It had been claimed that Mbappe, who has been left out of the latest France squad, would be missing until after the October international break due to the injury that he sustained against Alaves on September 24, but he was back in the squad against Lille and was introduced in the 57th minute, as Carlo Ancelotti's side looked for a leveller.

Mbappe should be joined in the XI by Rodrygo, who was not involved against Lille due to a slight issue that he sustained during the Madrid derby with Atletico Madrid last weekend.

Andriy Lunin will continue between the sticks, as Thibaut Courtois is out until after the October international break with a hip issue, while Eder Militao, despite being named in the squad, remains a fitness concern due to a thigh problem.

Should Militao miss out, it is likely that Aurelien Tchouameni will feature in the middle of the defence.

David Alaba, Dani Ceballos and Brahim Diaz are also currently missing for the European and Spanish champions, but Eduardo Camavinga is back to fitness and should again start in midfield.

Endrick found it difficult to make an impression as a starter against Lille, and the Brazilian is now expected to drop down to the bench, which should also feature Luka Modric and Arda Guler.

Real Madrid possible starting lineup: Lunin; Carvajal, Tchouameni, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Camavinga, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius

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