How Real Madrid could line up against Atletico Madrid

The reigning Spanish and European champions remain without the services of Ferland Mendy, who is still recovering from a hamstring problem, while Mariano Diaz remains a major doubt with the muscular issue that forced him to miss the Champions League clash with Liverpool.

Los Blancos recorded a 5-2 victory over Liverpool in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League contest at Anfield, but the win came at a cost, with David Alaba and Rodrygo both picking up injuries.

Alaba has a hamstring problem, which could rule him out for up to a month, while Rodrygo is said to be facing around 10 days out with an issue relating to the piriformis muscle.

Real Madrid had Aurelien Tchouameni back in training on Thursday following an illness, though, and the France international could be back in the side on Saturday night.

Nacho is likely to be given the nod at left-back, while Toni Kroos, who returned from illness against Liverpool, is also pushing to come back into the XI.

Luka Modric's fitness is being monitored at a key stage of the season, so the Croatian might start on the bench here, with Eduardo Camavinga potentially retaining his spot.

Federico Valverde is likely to be moved forward due to Rodrygo's absence, while Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema are both certain starters in the final third of the field.

Real Madrid possible starting lineup: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Nacho; Camavinga, Tchouameni, Kroos; Valverde, Benzema, Vinicius