Vallecas and Rayo Vallecano welcome Real Madrid this Saturday for the fourth consecutive away game for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

This match presents an opportunity for the reigning champions to claim the top spot in LaLiga—at least temporarily—depending on Barcelona’s result against Leganés on Sunday. However, injuries continue to plague Ancelotti’s squad selection.

The latest casualty is Kylian Mbappé, sidelined with a left thigh injury, adding to a growing list of absentees. On the brighter side, Eduardo Camavinga is set to return after missing the last four games.

Who will play for Real Madrid against Rayo Vallecano?

Despite this, Ancelotti still has five players unavailable. Along with Mbappé, the list includes Mendy and the long-term absentees Alaba, Militão, and Carvajal.

Mbappé’s absence might prompt Rodrygo to step in as a false nine. Another potential adjustment could see Tchouaméni return to midfield, enabling Asencio to partner Rüdiger in central defence, with Ceballos likely making way. The rest of the lineup is expected to remain unchanged from the team that defeated Atalanta, with Brahim continuing on the right flank.

Ancelotti’s Probable Starting XI vs. Rayo Vallecano:

Ancelotti has called up five youth players to complete the 22-man squad. In addition to Asencio, who is already a first-team regular, Sergio Mestre, Yusi, Lorenzo, and Castilla winger Víctor Muñoz have been included. They will join Lunin, Vallejo, Camavinga, Ceballos, Modric, Güler, and Endrick on the bench.

Real Madrid have two more fixtures remaining in 2024. On Wednesday, they will compete in the Intercontinental Cup final in Qatar against the winner of the Pachuca vs. Al Ahly match.

The year will conclude on Sunday with a home game against Sevilla at the Bernabéu. Notably, Vinícius is one yellow card away from suspension, meaning another booking in Vallecas could see him miss the Sevilla clash.