Real Madrid team news for Osasuna match: injuries, possible line-up

Real Madrid return to action on Sunday at the Santiago Bernabéu. Following the international break, Los Blancos host Osasuna in need of a win to reclaim top spot in LaLiga, after Barcelona leapfrogged their arch rivals with victory over Real Mallorca on Saturday. Ancelotti’s men have a perfect record so far this season - nine wins in nine games - and go into the match with almost a full complement of available players.

Modric, Vázquez miss out on Osasuna clash

Luka Modric is Madrid’s only injured player, after returning from Croatia duty with a hip problem. It doesn’t seem serious, but so far he hasn’t been able to train with the group and won’t be involved this weekend. Lucas Vázquez has rejoined training, but the match against Osasuna comes too soon for him. He did not make the matchday squad, but will be available for Madrid’s next game, at home to Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday.

Alaba or Rüdiger alongside Militao?

In goal, Thibaut Courtois will start as ever. The Belgian is undroppable between the sticks. In defence, Dani Carvajal will start on the right and Ferland Mendy will be on the left, but in the centre of the backline there are doubts. Éder Militao will almost certainly play, but it’s unclear whether his partner will be David Alaba or Antonio Rüdiger. The former, who is the man in possession of the starting spot, played both of Austria’s games in international week and had physical problems after the first. Rüdiger, on the other hand, returned from Germany duty early due to suspension and is more rested. His chances of starting are greater.

Ceballos set to replace Modric

In midfield, Dani Ceballos is well placed to cover Modric’s absence. Fede Valverde has just played a lot of football for Uruguay and needs a well-deserved breather. Ceballos will be accompanied by Kroos, who has retired from Germany duty and is therefore fresh, and Aurélien Tchouaméni. At 22, the Frenchman has plenty of gas in the tank and is hard to replace at the moment, after Casemiro’s move to Manchester United.

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Benzema poised for return from injury

In attack, star striker Karim Benzema is set to make his comeback. The Frenchman has missed three games due to a knee problem, but has recovered from the issue and is expected to play without problems. On the flanks, all the indications are that he will be joined by the Brazilians Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo, the two most in-form forwards in the three games that Benzema missed.

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Possible Real Madrid XI against Osasuna:

Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba/Rüdiger, Mendy; Tchouaméni, Ceballos, Kroos; Rodrygo, Benzema, Vinícius.