Real Madrid have named Gareth Bale, Isco and James Rodriguez in the side to play Real Sociedad with Cristiano Ronaldo rested.
It was confirmed earlier this week that the Portugal captain would miss the game at Anoeta and Ronaldo has also been left out of his national team’s squad for the forthcoming international fixtures.
Luka Modric and Toni Kroos start in midfield for the first game of the post-Xabi Alonso era after the World Cup winner on Friday completed a move to Bayern Munich.
Karim Benzema leads the attack amid reports Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez is to join the club on loan before Monday’s transfer deadline.
La Real meanwhile are looking to regroup after they crashed out of the Europa League, losing 3-0 in Russia against Krasnodar having won the first leg 1-0 at home.
Jagoba Arrasate is forced into one change as goalkeeper Geromino Rulli was injured in the defeat, replaced against Los Blancos by Enaut Zubikari.
Arrasate makes two further changes, Ruben Pardo and Sergio Canales dropping out for Esteban Granero and Chori Castro.
Real Sociedad: Zubikari; Zaldua, Elustondo, Martinez, De la Bella; Prieto, Granero, Bergara, Zurutuza, Castro; Agirretxe
Real Madrid: Casillas; Carvajal, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo; Kroos, Modric, Isco; Bale, Benzema, James
