While Karim Benzema has been included in the 19-man squad against Sevilla, Real Madrid will be without captain Sergio Ramos, who is suspended along with centre-back partner Pepe.
Real Madrid will be hoping for a strong performance against Sevilla, who are yet to register a win away from home this season. Karim Benzema’s return is likely to boost the team morale, as Real Madrid have struggled without the Frenchman this season.
Benzema could get some playing time against Sevilla
With no other striker to turn to, Madrid have been forced to either field youngster Borja Mayoral or play Cristiano Ronaldo as a makeshift No 9, neither of which has proved fruitful for Zinedine Zidane.
Los Blancos are due to visit the Camp Nou after the international break, and Zidane will look to give Benzema some playing time against Sevilla. However, it is unlikely that the striker will be handed a start immediately after returning from an injury.
Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to continue as the leading striker, with Lucas Vazquez deployed on the right wing alongside Isco and Gareth Bale. Luka Modric and Toni Kroos will take their position in midfield and will look to control the pace of the game. Zidane could also opt to start Casemiro along with the two, in order to allow Modric and Kroos to play higher up the pitch.
Nacho to come in for Ramos
Nacho to come in for Ramos
With both Sergio Ramos and Pepe unavailable for the tie, Madrid are expected to field Raphael Varane alongside Nacho at the heart of the defence. Marcelo and Dani Carvajal are likely to get the nod in the full-back positions, and it will be interesting to see if Marcelo is asked to curb his attacking instincts in order to give the team some defensive stability at the back.
