Real Madridvs.Valladolid

Los Blancos are currently three midfielders down on last season, as Toni Kroos retired at the end of the 2023-24 campaign, while Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham are both out until the end of September due to injuries.

Nacho also left on a free transfer over the summer, while Real Madrid have allowed Mario Martin to join Real Valladolid on loan for the rest of the campaign despite their midfield issues.

Real Madrid's two signings this summer have been attacking ones, with Kylian Mbappe and Endrick moving to Bernabeu, but Ancelotti has ruled out any further acquisitions, insisting that Aurelien Tchouameni can drop back into the middle of defence while David Alaba recovers.

"It's not risky [to allow Martin to leave]. We have resources to use, the youngsters are very good and Tchouameni can be moved back. We are waiting for Alaba," Ancelotti told reporters during Friday's press conference.

Ancelotti rules out late Real Madrid transfer business

"Camavinga will return at the end of September and we can't block the growth of a player for one month. We thought that playing for a year could be very important for his progression. He agreed and he will come back stronger and smarter."

Luka Modric is likely to be the player to benefit from Bellingham's absence, with the latter picking up an injury during Friday's training session.

Meanwhile, Eder Militao appears to have fully recovered from the ACL injury that he suffered towards the start of last season, and he is set to continue in the middle of the defence alongside Antonio Rudiger for Sunday's La Liga clash against Real Valladolid.

Real Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw by Mallorca in their La Liga opener last weekend, but Ancelotti is expecting his side to bounce back in their first home game of the new campaign.

Ancelotti previews La Liga clash against Real Valladolid

"It's important, we're looking forward to it. It's been a while since we've played there. We want to show a good image and win," he told reporters.

"It was quite clear in the evaluation. We lacked balance and we have to work with this. It's not that complicated. If the problem is clear, so is the solution.

"This is a characteristic (players leaning towards the left flank) not only of this team, but of recent years. With Vinicius [Junior], we play a bit more on the wing, because of the quality he has. Also with [Karim] Benzema, Bellingham.

"It's worked out very well, but now I'm not going to say I'm going to play on the other side when we've won two Champions League titles doing it that way."

Real Madrid have won each of their last five La Liga games against Real Valladolid, including a 6-0 victory when the two teams last locked horns at Bernabeu in April 2023.