Real Madrid confirmed lineup to play against Osasuna in LaLiga

After damaging home defeats to Barcelona in El Clásico and AC Milan in the Champions League, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti reverts to type for Saturday’s LaLiga fixture against Osasuna, in which the hosts line up in a 4-3-3 system.

Tchouaméni injury forces Real Madrid change

Aurélien Tchouaméni’s injury and resulting absence only strengthened the argument for a formation change. Fan favourite Eduardo Camavinga takes his compatriot’s place in the centre of the midfield three, with Fede Valverde, fit after a recent fitness scare, and Jude Bellingham joining the Frenchman in the engine room.

Luka Modric has started two of Madrid’s last three games (against Milan and Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League) but drops to the bench against Osasuna. Like the rest of the team, the veteran Croat has struggled to hit top form of late, which sees him lose his place to Rodrygo. The Brazilian was a substitute against the Italians in midweek but now returns to the starting lineup on the right wing after recovering from a minor hamstring issue.

With Thibaut Courtois still unavailable, Andriy Lunin again starts in goal. One change is made in defence, with Fran García replacing Ferland Mendy at left-back and joining Lucas Vázquez, Eder Militão and Antonio Rüdiger in the back four.

Vinícius Júnior on verge of suspension

Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé will, of course, start in attack. The Brazilian, however, will have to be on his best behaviour as he will incur a one-match suspension (to be served away to Leganés in the next LaLiga game on November 24) if he picks up a yellow card against Osasuna.

All eyes will again be on Mbappé, who has scored just one goal in his last six games. The underperforming 25-year-old was controversially left out of France’s upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Israel and Italy despite being the national team captain.

Real Madrid’s confirmed starting XI against Osasuna

Andriy Lunin; Lucas Vázquez, Eder Militão, Antonio Rüdiger, Fran García; Fede Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé.