Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is hopeful of welcoming two big names back for Sunday's trip to Camp Nou for El Clasico with Barcelona.
Right-back Dani Carvajal (calf) and injury-plagued winger Eden Hazard (muscle) both have strong chances of making the squad for the derby, but it would still be a shock to see either man included from the off.
Dani Ceballos and Gareth Bale remain sidelined, though, while Isco and Luka Jovic are also doubtful but would have been unlikely to force their way into contention anyway.
Should Carvajal not be deemed ready to start, Nacho could edge out Federico Valverde and Lucas Vazquez for the right-back spot as Ancelotti tries to figure out how to keep Ansu Fati quiet.
Eder Militao, David Alaba and Ferland Mendy should continue to form a settled backline for Los Blancos, with Casemiro shielding the back four at the base of the midfield.
Toni Kroos and Luka Modric are unlikely to cede their places in midfield either - even with Eduardo Camavinga pushing for inclusion and Valverde representing another option.
Up top, Vinicius Junior had a direct hand in three of his side's five goals against Shakhtar Donetsk in midweek, and the in-form starlet should partner up with Rodrygo out wide once more.
Prolific frontman Karim Benzema was reportedly restricted to indoor work on Friday amid a minor injury scare, but at this stage there is nothing to suggest that the 33-year-old will not make the cut, even with trial proceedings over alleged blackmail against him ongoing.
Real Madrid possible starting lineup: Courtois; Nacho, Militao, Alaba, Mendy; Kroos, Casemiro, Modric; Rodrygo, Benzema, Vinicius Jr
> Click here to see how Barcelona could line up for El Clasico
Ben Knapton
