Real Madrid resume La Liga duties with a visit to Real Sociedad on Saturday.
Carlo Ancelotti's side claimed a 2-0 victory over Real Betis prior to the international break, giving them two wins and two draws from their opening four league games of 2024/25. They are already four points behind rivals Barcelona.
Discourse is already rife over how to bring the best out of superstar forward Kylian Mbappe, particularly in the injury absence of Jude Bellingham, and there will be plenty of scrutiny on the France international against Imanol Alguacil's side.
Sociedad were deeply uninspiring in a goalless draw with Getafe before the internationals, but they received some welcome news on the injury front ahead of this fixture.
The Sporting News looks at the latest team news and predicted lineups for this match.
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Mikel Oyarzabal made a surprise return to training this week after suffering a serious ankle sprain on Spain duty. There is a chance the forward could be in the matchday squad for Saturday's game.
Hamari Traore and Brais Mendez are expected to miss out, so Oyarzabal's return would be welcome for a team that managed just one shot against Getafe in their 0-0 draw prior to the international break.
Arsen Zakharyan, Alvaro Odriozola, and Aritz Elustondo are also doubts.
Real Sociedad predicted XI (4-4-1-1, right to left): Remiro (GK) -- Munoz, Zubeldia, Pacheco, Aramburu -- Kubo, Zubimendi, Turrientes, Gomez -- Barrenetxea -- Umar
Real Madrid predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Courtois (GK) -- Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Garcia -- Valverde, Modric -- Rodrygo, Brahim Diaz, Vinicius -- Mbappe
Injured: David Alaba, Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Ceballos, Aurelien Tchouameni, Ferland Mendy, Jesus Vallejo
Suspended: None
Here's how to watch this La Liga match across selected areas of the world's major regions: