How Real Madrid could line up against Kashima Antlers

Real Madrid begin their latest quest for Club World Cup glory on Wednesday with a semi-final clash against Kashima Antlers at the ZSC Arena in Abu Dhabi.

Los Blancos have named a full-strength squad for their trip to the Middle East, as they aim to lift the trophy for the fourth time in five attempts.

Should Madrid beat Antlers, they will then take on either River Plate or Al Ain in the final three days later.

Here, Sports Mole looks at how the European champions could line up against Kashima.

Doubtful: Casemiro (ankle), Nacho Fernandez (knee), Gareth Bale (ankle)

Santiago Solari has named a 25-man squad that includes all of his star players, but Casemiro and Nacho are major fitness doubts for the semi-final with Kashima.

Bale is expected to play a part after missing the win over Rayo Vallecano with an ankle injury, however, and Vinicius Junior is in line for a start, as is fellow youngster Javi Sanchez.

This is a competition that Madrid take seriously, but rotation is also important so the likes of Karim Benzema, Marco Asensio, Lucas Vazquez and Luka Modric may all be rested from the weekend clash with Rayo.

Marcos Llorente is in contention for a sixth start of the season, while Dani Ceballos may also get the nod in central midfield following his cameo from the bench last time out.