Real Madrid missing three players for La Liga clash with Almeria

Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao and David Alaba all have long-term ACL injuries, with the latter out for the season, although there is a hope that both Courtois and Militao could play a part before the end of the campaign.

Lucas Vazquez has also recently been on the sidelines with a hamstring problem, but the Spaniard has handed Los Blancos a fitness boost by returning to the squad against Almeria.

Real Madrid have no fresh injury concerns, meaning that Courtois, Militao and Alaba are the only absentees for the team's return to La Liga action.

Vinicius Tobias and Mario Martin were in the squad for Thursday's 4-2 loss to Atletico Madrid in the last-16 stage of the Copa del Rey, but the duo are left out of the selection for this match.

"There are players who deserve to play, I have to take into account those who haven't recovered well. I think they will all recover. The objective is not to give minutes but to win the games," head coach Carlo Ancelotti told reporters during his pre-match press conference.

Real Madrid have not been in La Liga action since recording a 1-0 win over Mallorca on January 3, but they have played four times since then, including two games in the Spanish Super Cup, beating both Atletico and Barcelona in Saudi Arabia to secure the trophy.

"I try to be as objective as possible. In the league defeat we did badly and from there we improved," Ancelotti added, with Real Madrid now losing twice to Atletico this season, including once in La Liga.

"The cup game was very well played, there were situations that cost us, we weren't sharp at the back but we created a lot of chances. It was a great opponent. They were two extraordinary games.

"I don't give my opinion, I listen, and I look at what's going on in the dressing room. We're in a good dynamic, we're in good shape, we're playing very good football. Everyone is doing well, now we have the chance to work harder and that will be good for us.

"We are focused on the Almería game. The data says they only have six points, but they deserved to beat Girona and put Barca and Atletico in trouble. They're alive and they're going to fight tomorrow. We'll have to be ready."

Real Madrid are currently second in the La Liga table, one point behind the leaders Girona, who were held to a goalless draw by Almeria last time out.

Ancelotti's side have another five matches in the league before heading to RB Leipzig for the first leg of their last-16 Champions League contest on February 13.

Real Madrid squad vs. Almeria:

Lunin, Kepa, Pineiro; Carvajal, Nacho, Vazquez, F Garcia, Rudiger, Mendy; Bellingham, Kroos, Modric, Camavinga, Valverde, Tchouameni, Ceballos, Guler; Vinicius, Rodrygo, Joselu, Brahim