How Real Madrid could line up against Sheriff Tiraspol

Dani Carvajal, Ferland Mendy, Gareth Bale and Dani Ceballos will all definitely miss the contest, while Marcelo and Toni Kroos remain doubts amid their recent injury problems.

Carlo Ancelotti's side did not suffer any fresh issues in their goalless draw with Villarreal at the weekend, but there are expected to be changes for the European contest.

Lucas Vazquez could come in for a start at right-back, while Eduardo Camavinga is in line for a position in the middle of the park alongside Casemiro and Luka Modric.

Ancelotti is unlikely to withdraw either Karim Benzema or Vinicius Junior, who have both been in fine form this season, but there is a spot open in the final third of the field.

Rodrygo was withdrawn at the interval against Villarreal, while Bale is injured, so Eden Hazard could be in line for a role in the front three.

Marco Asensio and Federico Valverde are also options for the first XI, but the pair could both be rested with a view to coming back into the side against Espanyol next weekend.

Real Madrid possible starting lineup: Courtois; Vazquez, Militao, Alaba, Nacho; Camavinga, Casemiro, Modric; Hazard, Benzema, Vinicius