After an eventful international break, Real Madrid return to action at the Santiago Bernabeu to take on Athletic Bilbao.
Éder Militão returns to the squad after being out due to an ACL injury. However, he is not expected to be in action in this game. Moreover, Jude Bellingham is back from suspension after receiving a red card against Valencia and missing the subsequent two matches.
A player that Carlo Ancelotti may miss on the attacking front is Vinícius Júnior, who is out with a suspension. Nevertheless, Real Madrid are expected to field a strong lineup before the important Manchester City match.
Here is how Real Madrid can line up against Osasuna.
Expected lineup
GK: Andriy Lunin
The Ukrainian has stepped up in Thibaut Courtois’ absence and now with the Belgian ruled out for the rest of the season, Lunin will look to leave a mark between the sticks.
RB: Dani Carvajal
He has been the highest-scoring defender in La Liga this season, while also being highly reliable on the defensive end. Ancelotti would hope that he remains in form for this crucial juncture of the season.
CB: Antonio Rüdiger
The German has been difficult to get past for any forward this season. One of the main reasons why the Spanish side has one of the best defensive records in Europe.
CB: Nacho
The captain has blown hot and cold this season. Some performances have been fairly decent while others have been simply forgettable. Will have to be at his best against a potent Bilbao attack.
LB: Ferland Mendy
On the attacking front, he has not shown many promising signs, but defensively he has been solid and made life difficult for the players on his flank. Would look to have a good end to the season to retain his importance in the squad, with the potential arrival of Alphonso Davies on the cards.
CM: Fede Valverde
The Uruguayan has barely missed a game this season and has not had any injury scares. Still, he has been one of the best midfielders in the world, and Ancelotti will not want to sit him out of any match.
CDM: Aurelièn Tchouamèni
The French national will return to his natural position where he has held a record this season – Real Madrid have been unbeaten whenever he starts. The Merengues would look to extend this streak with another win in this match.
CM: Toni Kroos
The German returned to the national side and had two assists in two games, including one assist just 7 minutes into the game. He is likely to stay one more season at Real Madrid and will want to continue showing his magic in this match.
CAM: Jude Bellingham
In the international break, the Englishman scored a last-minute winner against Chile, showing how clutch he can be. He missed the last two league games due to suspension and returns to the lineup for this match.
ST: Brahim Díaz
With Vinícius out due to suspension, Brahim is the best possible replacement for the Brazilian – even though this is not his natural position. He has won games out of nowhere for the Merengues and would love to do so again.
ST: Rodrygo
He returned to goal-scoring form over the weekend against Spain at the Bernabeu and it could not have come at a better time with Champions League and crucial league games remaining. The Brazilian would hope to continue his goalscoring form with his club now, and show his importance amid exit links.
