Eden Hazard is back in the Real Madrid squad for the first time this season, but the Belgian looks set to start on the bench against Real Valladolid in LaLiga on Wednesday night.
The former Chelsea attacker played only 22 times in an injury-interrupted debut season at Real and missed the club’s first two fixtures of this campaign after suffering continued discomfort from his troublesome ankle problem.
But coach Zinedine Zidane said on Tuesday that he is ready to feature and the 29-year-old should receive his first minutes of the season as Los Blancos play at home following back-to-back fixtures on the road.
Toni Kroos is out with a hip problem picked up in the 3-2 win at Real Betis on Saturday night, although the midfielder promised to be ‘back in no time’ in a tweet on Monday.
The German’s absence means Fede Valverde should keep his place after he netted the opener at the Benito Villamarin at the weekend.
Isco or Martin Odegaard will likely be chosen in the other slot behind Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior, with Marco Asensio still missing through injury.
Eder Militao and Mariano are also sidelined.
Meanwhile, Marcelo is expected to come in at left-back after Ferland Mendy started the opening two games in that position.
Real Madrid possible XI: Courtois; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Casemiro, Modric, Valverde; Isco; Benzema, Vinicius
Real Valladolid possible XI: Jimenez; Perez, Gonzalez, Sanchez, Garcia; Michel, Perez; Hervias, Plano, Rubio; Guardiola
