Mbappe and Alexander-Arnold Ready to Unleash Fury as Real Madrid Eye Elche Demolition

Looking to bounce back from recent setbacks, an injury-plagued Real Madrid squad prepares for La Liga action against a faltering Elche team.

Carlo Ancelotti and Real Madrid faced criticism following the November international break after failing to secure victories—both in European competition and league play—against Liverpool and Rayo Vallecano in consecutive fixtures. The Madrid club was unable to find the net in either encounter, a drought they aim to end at the Estadio Martínez Valero on Sunday night.

Los Blancos, however, will face significant personnel shortages against Elche. Éder Militão, who sustained an adductor problem while on Brazil duty, has joined long-term casualties Dani Carvajal and Antonio Rüdiger on the treatment table. Dean Huijsen also pulled out of international commitments and remains questionable for the La Liga fixture.

Uncertainty also clouds Aurélien Tchouaméni and Franco Mastantuono's participation; both players are dealing with hamstring and groin problems respectively. Thibaut Courtois, Federico Valverde, Kylian Mbappé and Eduardo Camavinga, however, are all anticipated to be available despite experiencing concerns during the November international period.

Here's how Real Madrid's starting eleven might appear against Elche.

Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Elche (4-2-3-1)

GK: Thibaut Courtois—Courtois will aim to achieve his third consecutive La Liga shutout on Sunday.

RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold—For the first occasion in three months, Alexander-Arnold will receive the starting role on the right side. The summer acquisition must deliver in his comeback or face another round of scrutiny.

CB: Raúl Asencio—The Real Madrid Castilla graduate is set for substantial playing time in the upcoming weeks while Militão rehabilitates.

CB: Dean Huijsen—Should Huijsen be available, he will form the defensive partnership with Asencio. David Alaba remains another possibility for Ancelotti if he chooses to be conservative with the Spanish defender.

LB: Álvaro Carreras—Despite his solid defensive displays recently, Carreras will seek to improve his connection with Vinicius Junior to contribute more offensively.

CM: Federico Valverde—The Uruguayan will welcome returning to his preferred role after several weeks covering at right back.

CM: Eduardo Camavinga—While Tchouaméni regains complete match readiness, his compatriot Camavinga will occupy his spot in Real Madrid's midfield engine room.

CM: Arda Güler—The expectation falls on Güler to rediscover his chemistry with Mbappé to end Los Blancos' goal-scoring drought. The Turkey international has already accumulated nine goal contributions this campaign.

AM: Jude Bellingham—Bellingham performs optimally when orchestrating Real Madrid's offensive play. The number 10 provided one of the few positives during the team's recent difficulties.

ST: Kylian Mbappé—Following his two goals and assist in his single France appearance this break, Mbappé will approach an Elche defense confidently, knowing they've managed just one clean sheet in their previous seven La Liga outings.

ST: Vinicius Junior—The Brazilian will be determined to compensate for his lackluster performances against Liverpool and Rayo Vallecano. Indeed, Vinicius Junior hasn't scored in his last nine matches for club and country.