Fede Valverde looks set to return to the starting lineup as Real Madrid host Valencia in LaLiga on Thursday night.
The Uruguayan was only a substitute in Los Blancos’ 3-1 win over Eibar on Saturday, but his extra energy in midfield makes him an obvious choice for the visit of Albert Celades’ side.
Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane selected a four-man midfield for the win over Valencia in the Spanish Supercopa in January and could repeat those tactics in this league meeting.
Valverde’s inclusion would likely see Luka Modric drop to the bench, with Isco coming in to play behind Eden Hazard and Karim Benzema.
Zidane said in his pre-match press conference on Wednesday that Madrid have to take advantage of the rapport between Hazard and Benzema after the duo linked up superbly in the win over Eibar.
Hazard, Sergio Ramos and Dani Carvajal are all expected to be fine to start, despite going off with knocks in Sunday’s game, while Gareth Bale will be available despite missing Monday's training session with a shoulder problem.
At left-back, Zidane looks set to call upon the more defensive-minded Ferland Mendy in place of Marcelo, after the Brazilian featured – and also scored – against Eibar.
Striker Luka Jovic, winger Lucas Vazquez and defender Nacho are all out injured.
Just like Sunday's game, this match will take place at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano as renovation works continue at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid predicted XI: Courtois; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Mendy; Casemiro, Kroos, Valverde; Isco; Hazard, Benzema
Valencia predicted XI: Cillessen; Wass, Guillamon, Paulista, Gaya; Torres, Parejo, Kondogbia, Soler; Moreno, Maxi Gomez
