© Reuters
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has a long list of injuries to deal with heading into Wednesday's La Liga clash with Mallorca, and he could deploy a similar starting XI to the one that defeated Valencia last time out.
The losses of Marcelo and Ferland Mendy to injuries leaves David Alaba as the only fit senior left-back in the squad, but the Austrian has instead been deployed in the middle of a back four so far this season, leaving versatile defender Nacho to deputise on the left-hand side.
Alaba should continue to play alongside Brazil international Eder Militao, shielding Thibaut Courtois between the sticks.
Further forward, experienced midfielder Toni Kroos will again miss out alongside Dani Ceballos, with Federico Valverde expected to continue playing alongside Casemiro and Luka Modric in the midfield trio.
After breaking back into the first-team squad following the appointment of Ancelotti, Gareth Bale has been hit by another injury setback, and will miss out again on Wednesday, with Eden Hazard expected to keep his place on the wing in the Welshman's absence.
The line will be led by Karim Benzema, who has started the new season in fine form, registering six goals and five assists in five La Liga appearances.
He will be supported by winger Vinicius Junior, who has also displayed a strong run of form at the beginning of the campaign, sitting on five goals and two assists from his five games, despite only starting in three of those.
Real Madrid possible starting lineup: Courtois; Carvajal, Alaba, Militao, Nacho; Valverde, Casemiro, Modric; Vinicius, Benzema, Hazard
Sam Varley
