Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti will likely reinstate Toni Kroos back into the team’s starting XI for Saturday’s Primera Division game against city rivals Rayo Vallecano.

The World Cup winner was given a rare rest last weekend as Real Madrid comfortably dispatched of Alaves 3-0 thanks to goals from Marco Asensio, Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema.

Against Alaves, Federico Valverde started in place of Kroos, but the Uruguayan has been struggling with illness this week so it should be a relatively simply choice for Ancelotti to bring Kroos back in.

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Mariano Diaz is also nearing full fitness after a pelvic problem so the Italian boss has a full strength squad to choose from for this one.

Thibaut Courtois will start in goal behind the first-choice back four of Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, David Alaba and Ferland Mendy.

The only likely change from the Alaves win will come in midfield with the aforementioned swap involving Kroos and Valverde, with Luka Modric and Casemiro continuing.

Vinicius Junior and Benzema are two of the first names on the teamsheet these days and will continue in the final third, with Asensio retaining his spot after his goal versus Alaves.

The likes of Rodrygo, Gareth Bale and Eden Hazard will have to settle for a place on the bench again.

Predicted Real Madrid XI v Rayo