The lowdown on Madrid’s potential starting XI as Carlo Ancelotti’s men return to LaLiga action for the first time since the beginning of January.
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is expected to pick a near first-choice line-up against Almería on Sunday, as Los Blancos play their first LaLiga game in nearly three weeks.
Madrid, who sit second in the Spanish top flight, one point behind Girona but with a game in hand, last saw league action when they beat Real Mallorca 1-0 at the Bernabéu on 3 January.
Carvajal set to sit out Almería clash
After hosting Almería, Madrid have a week to recover before visiting Las Palmas, so the only regular who appears certain to be given a rest this weekend is right-back Dani Carvajal.
Following his exertions in the Spanish Super Cup and the Copa del Rey over the past week and a half, Carvajal is likely to make way for Lucas Vázquez, who has now fully recovered from a thigh injury.
Rüdiger, Rodrygo could be rested
The other two first-team fixtures who could also be given a breather are Antonio Rüdiger and Rodrygo Goes. In recent weeks, Ancelotti has repeatedly warned that Rüdiger, who has played more minutes than any other squad member this season, will need to be get a break at some point.
Were the German to drop to the bench against Almería, midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni would fill in at centre-back. Rodrygo, who has been Madrid’s third-most used player this term, would be replaced by Brahim Díaz.
Kroos, Kepa to return to line-up
In central midfield, Toni Kroos is set to return to the team after being rested for the first hour of Madrid’s Copa defeat to Atlético Madrid on Thursday, with Eduardo Camavinga partnering him in the engine room.
In goal, Ancelotti has confirmed that Kepa Arrizabalaga will be given the gloves ahead of Andriy Lunin.
Real Madrid’s possible line-up to face Almería:
Kepa Arrizabalaga; Lucas Vázquez, Antonio Rüdiger/Aurélien Tchouameni, Nacho, Ferland Mendy; Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham; Rodrygo Goes/ Brahim Díaz, Vinícius Júnior.