Kylian Mbappe's absence from the Real Madrid squad this weekend is expected to lead to head coach Carlo Ancelotti switching his formation.

Los Blancos will be out the services of their leading goalscorer this season, as he picked up a thigh problem during the team's 3-2 success over Alaves last time out.

Real Madrid have been operating in a 4-3-3 formation this term, but Ancelotti is likely to revert to the 4-3-1-2 which brought so much success last season, with Jude Bellingham playing behind Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.

Luka Modric is set for a start in midfield alongside Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde, meanwhile, as Eduardo Camavinga is unlikely to be considered for a start.

Camavinga will be in a Real Madrid squad for the first time this season on Sunday, with the Frenchman recovering from a knee problem, but he is likely to be among the substitutes.

Dani Carvajal was not involved against Alaves last time out due to a knock, but the Spaniard has been cleared to start for the reigning champions at Wanda Metropolitano.

Endrick has scored twice off the bench for Real Madrid this season, while Arda Guler is another option in a forward area, but Ancelotti is not expected to spring any major surprises in terms of his team selection.

Real Madrid possible starting lineup: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouameni, Modric; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius

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Written by
Matt Law