Trent Alexander-Arnold will return to the Real Madrid starting lineup when they take on Elche CF at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero on Sunday.

Real Madrid will be eager to return to winning ways when they lock horns with Elche CF at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero on Sunday night. Xabi Alonso has new injury concerns to worry about ahead of his side’s latest fixture.

Eder Militao is the latest absentee after picking up a groin injury during international duty for his nation. The Brazilian international has joined Antonio Rudiger, Dani Carvajal, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Franco Mastantuono in the treatment room, with the quintet missing out on a spot in the travelling squad.

However, Dean Huijsen is fit and available to take on Elche, and he will be in contention to start on Sunday. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Alonso provided fitness updates on Rudiger and Militao.

The Real Madrid manager said, “It’s great news that he’s close to returning. Probably not for tomorrow, but we’ll assess whether he can make it for Athens. His excellent performance, personality and high competitive level make him an important player to have. Militao’s injury isn’t serious, but we’ll miss him and having Antonio back soon is very good news.”

During his presser, Alonso also discussed his team’s right-back options. Additionally, the Spanish tactician was elated that he could get Trent Alexander-Arnold up to speed during the international break amid a stop-start season for the former Liverpool star.

The Real Madrid boss said, “We’ve used this break with Trent to train more and get him back to full fitness after his injuries. Valverde can still play there, but having Trent in better shape gives us more options in that position. It’s not just him, there are other options such as Militao, who played there the other day with his national team, or Asencio.”

Thibaut Courtois is an automatic pick between the sticks, with Real Madrid lining up in a 4-3-1-2 formation in front of him against Elche on Sunday. The backline will feature Trent Alexander-Arnold, Raul Asencio, David Alaba, and Alvaro Carreras, with Dean Huijsen getting some rest.

As for the midfield unit, Federico Valverde will return to the middle of the park, lining up alongside Eduardo Camavinga and Arda Guler in the centre of the pitch. Jude Bellingham will reprise the no. 10 role, with Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe completing the numbers in the final third. So, Rodrygo and Brahim Diaz will be backup options on the bench for the away side.

Predicted Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Alaba, Carreras; Valverde, Camavinga, Guler; Bellingham; Vinicius Junior, Mbappe