Real Madrid v Villarreal: Kylian Mbappe a major doubt as La Liga returns

Real Madrid return to La Liga action against Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, with Kylian Mbappe a major doubt after suffering a knock while on international duty.

The match comes immediately after the first international break of the season and is an important test for both sides as they look to strengthen their ambitions before the European fixtures begin.

Real Madrid

Real Madrid are dealing with a number of defensive absences. Dean Huijsen is suspended, while Ferland Mendy and Raul Asencio are unavailable because of injury. Ibrahima Konate and Eder Militao also remain out.

There are concerns further forward, too. Rodrygo is continuing his recovery, while Fede Valverde has recently joined the injury list. Mbappe’s availability is particularly uncertain after the blow he picked up during his national-team involvement.

The probable Real Madrid line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois

Defenders: Denzel Dumfries, Aurelien Tchouameni, Antonio Rudiger, Marc Cucurella

Midfielders: Bernardo Silva, Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga

Forwards: Arda Guler, Carlos Espi, Vinicius Junior

Villarreal

Villarreal have also been affected by the international break, with their attacking options weakened by the expected absence of Tajon Buchanan.

The Canada international suffered a hamstring injury while representing his country and could miss Villarreal’s upcoming matches, including Saturday’s meeting with Real Madrid.

The probable Villarreal line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Peter Gulacsi

Defenders: Alex Freeman, Pau Navarro, Renato Veiga, Sergi Cardona

Midfielders: Pape Gueye, Alberto Moleiro, Nathan Saliba

Forwards: Nicolas Pepe, Georges Mikautadze, Ilias Akhomach

Real Madrid will soon play their eighth match of the Spanish league season against Villarreal. The listed 1xbet odds make Real Madrid clear favourites at 1.36, with the draw priced at 5.75 and a Villarreal victory at 7.50.