Real Madrid’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, is hoping to see David Alaba back in action for their La Liga match against Osasuna at the Bernabeu on Saturday.
Alaba has been sidelined for the past two matches against Girona and Napoli due to a groin injury, but there is optimism that he could make a return for this weekend’s game.
Unfortunately, Real Madrid is already dealing with the absence of two center-backs: Eder Militao, who is facing a lengthy recovery due to a severe knee injury, and Nacho, who is serving a suspension following a red card in their 3-0 victory over Girona in the previous league match.
Thibaut Courtois (knee) and Arda Guler (thigh) will also be unavailable once again. Fortunately, there were no new fitness concerns following their 3-2 win over Napoli in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Ferland Mendy, who made a cameo appearance against Napoli, could potentially earn his first start of the season at left-back, with Fran Garcia also being an option in that position.
Eduardo Camavinga, who has recently been deployed as a left-back, might move into central midfield, possibly resulting in Toni Kroos starting on the bench.
Jude Bellingham, who scored his eighth goal of the season against Napoli, will continue as the number 10 behind the expected front two of Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior.
Despite Rodrygo having only scored once this season, he is likely to get the nod over Joselu, who has notched four league goals in the 2023-24 campaign.
Possible Real Madrid starting lineup: Kepa; Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Bellingham; Vinicius, Rodrygo.