Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni is set to revert to a relatively-familiar centre-back role for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign due to the team's substantial injury problems in that area of the field.

Los Blancos remain without Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao for the rest of the season due to long-term knee injuries, while Ferland Mendy, David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger have also seen their campaigns come to an end.

Rudiger is suspended for the remainder of the season following the red card that he picked up in last weekend's Copa del Rey final, but he has also undergone a knee operation which will sideline him until at least the Club World Cup.

Eduardo Camavinga is also out with an adductor problem, but Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe are fit for Sunday's clash with Celta Vigo despite recent concerns, with the pair back in training on Thursday after training away from their teammates on Wednesday.

Jude Bellingham and Lucas Vazquez are also available despite their red cards against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final. Indeed, Bellingham's red card has been revoked, while Vazquez will serve his two-game suspension in next season's Copa del Rey.

Tchouameni is set to feature alongside Raul Asencio in the middle of the defence, with Fran Garcia and Vazquez in the full-back areas.

Head coach Carlo Ancelotti may also decide to change his formation to provide greater protection to the back four, with Vinicius and Mbappe potentially operating as a front two, allowing Jude Bellingham to play as a number 10.

That switch would see Rodrygo drop down to the bench, and the Brazil international is said to be seriously considering seeking a move away from the Spanish champions during this summer's transfer window.

Real Madrid possible starting lineup: Courtois; Vazquez, Asencio, Tchouameni, F Garcia; Valverde, Ceballos, Modric; Bellingham; Vinicius, Mbappe

Written by
Matt Law