Luka Modric is in line to return to the Real Madrid starting line-up tonight as Casemiro misses out through suspension.
The Croatian was only a late substitute in the goalless draw at Barcelona on Wednesday, but is set to start against Athletic Club at the Santiago Bernabeu in Los Blancos’ last match of 2019.
Casemiro will play no part in it, though, after he picked up his fifth yellow card of the season in the Clasico, which earned the 27-year-old a one-match ban.
Fede Valverde will be asked to play a more defensive role, as he did with Casemiro rested last Sunday in Valencia.
Meanwhile, James Rodriguez is available again after injury and the Colombian could be on the bench on Sunday.
In attack, Karim Benzema could be flanked by Gareth Bale and Rodrygo, with Eden Hazard, Marco Asensio and Lucas Vazquez all still sidelined.
Marcelo is also still out and in his absence, Ferland Mendy will continue to deputise at left-back.
Predicted Real Madrid XI (4-3-3): Courtois; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Mendy; Valverde, Kroos, Modric; Rodrygo, Bale, Benzema
Predicted Athletic XI (4-2-3-1): Unai Simon; Lekue, Martinez, Alvarez, Yuri; Lopez, Garcia; Williams, Sancet, Cordoba; Garcia
