Real Madrid missing three players for Espanyol clash

Alaba and Mendy remain on the sidelines with hamstring problems, while Benzema will be unavailable for selection due to a knock on his ankle.

However, Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti revealed during his pre-match press conference that Mendy and Benzema would both be available for Wednesday's Champions League last-16 second leg with Liverpool.

"He's had a knock on his ankle, it's swollen, he won't be able to play tomorrow and he trained individually today. He will be available for Wednesday's game [vs Liverpool]," Ancelotti said when asked about Benzema.

"Ferland Mendy has recovered. He will train with the team on Sunday and be available against Liverpool."

There had also been some concern over the fitness of Antonio Rudiger, with the Germany international missing a training session earlier this week.

However, the centre-back has been named in the squad for the clash with Espanyol.

Real Madrid are currently nine points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona in the table, but they would cut the gap to six points with a victory on Saturday afternoon.

Los Blancos have not been victorious since the 5-2 success over Liverpool in the Champions League, drawing with Atletico Madrid and Real Betis in the league, in addition to losing 1-0 to Barcelona in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final.

There is also a return to the squad for Luka Modric, who was not involved in the goalless draw with Real Betis last weekend due to a domestic suspension.

Alvaro Rodriguez, who scored his first senior goal against Atletico in the Madrid derby on February 25, is an option to replace Benzema on Saturday, but Ancelotti has confirmed that Rodrygo will start as the centre-forward.

"Yes, he has no experience, but no one has it when something starts. He has the quality to play from the start, yes," said the Italian when asked whether Rodriguez was ready to be named in the first XI.

"Rodrygo is going to be the centre-forward. Rodrygo has to play where the team needs him. Sometimes it's better to put his quality on the wings, sometimes he's better between lines. It depends. He's very good, that's what he has to take advantage of."

Real Madrid have won their last two league games against Espanyol, including a 3-1 victory when the two teams locked horns for the reverse fixture earlier this season.

Real Madrid squad vs. Espanyol:

Courtois, Lunin, Lopez; Carvajal, Militao, Vallejo, Nacho, Odriozola, Vazquez, Rudiger; Kroos, Modric, Camavinga, Valverde, Tchouameni, Ceballos; Hazard, Asensio, Vinicius, Rodrygo, Mariano, Alvaro