Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Leganes - La Liga

Real Madrid return from the international break with a short trip to Leganes on Sunday afternoon as they aim to make ground on title rivals Barcelona in La Liga.

The reigning Spanish and European champions have failed to convince domestically or on the continent this season and a defensive injury crisis will test the pragmatic Carlo Ancelotti's ability to conjure up new solutions.

A much-needed 4-0 hammering of Osasuna before the November internationals will have lifted morale and visiting newly-promoted Leganes should be relatively straightforward for a star-studded Madrid side. However, Los Blancos may have one eye on Wednesday's trip to Premier League leaders and recent Champions League final opponents Liverpool.

Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Leganes (4-3-3)

GK: Thibaut Courtois - Having missed Madrid's last three outings, Courtois could return between the sticks at Leganes. Andriy Lunin is an able deputy in his absence but no match for the Belgian.

RB: Federico Valverde - Reports from Spain suggest that Valverde will feature at right-back on Sunday, filling in for the injured Lucas Vazquez and Dani Carvajal. The Uruguayan offers consistency wherever he plays.

CB: Raul Asencio - With Eder Militao suffering an ACL injury against Osasuna, Madrid are short at the back. David Alaba and emergency option Aurelien Tchouameni are also missing, with 21-year-old Asencio chosen to replace Militao last time out.

CB: Antonio Rudiger - One central defender Madrid can always rely on is Rudiger, who hasn't let his standards drop despite an underwhelming start to the campaign for the capital club. A titan in both boxes, he will be key in keeping a much-changed backline well organised.

LB: Ferland Mendy - Fran Garcia was handed a rare start before the international break but one would imagine that Mendy would return to the XI on Sunday. The Frenchman's sub-par displays do put his position under threat long-term as Madrid scout for new left-backs.

DM: Eduardo Camavinga - Tchouameni's absence in the engine room means compatriot Camavinga must step up to the plate. He did exactly that in the commanding victory over Osasuna most recently.

CM: Luka Modric - With Valverde moving to right-back, a space opens up in midfield for Ballon d'Or winner Modric. The 39-year-old turned out twice for Croatia over the international break and continues to make the difficult look simple on a football pitch.

CM: Jude Bellingham - Bellingham finally ended his lengthy goal drought for Madrid during the win over Osasuna and that should lift a significant weight off the Englishman's shoulders, allowing him to play with the freedom and confidence that made him unstoppable last term.

RW: Brahim Diaz - Rodrygo is another in the treatment room for Madrid, with Diaz likely to fill the Brazilian's shoes over the next few weeks. He scored five goals for Morocco over the international break, albeit against Gabon and Lesotho.

ST: Kylian Mbappe - Didier Deschamps stole the headlines by omitting Mbappe from France's November squad but it could prove beneficial for Madrid. The misfiring forward is fit and fresh, which spells trouble for Leganes.

LW: Vinicius Junior - A stunning display and hat-trick against Osasuna was followed by less convincing performances with Brazil. However, if you had to bet on a match-winner this weekend, it would be the 2024 Ballon d'Or runner-up.

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