A decimated defence forces Real Madrid's hand as they name a makeshift backline for this afternoon’s visit of Espanyol.
Dani Carvajal’s suspension, coupled with knocks picked up by Sergio Ramos and Marcelo, the latter of whom pulled up during Los Blancos’ warm-up for the match, means Alvaro Arbeloa, Raphael Varane and Fabio Coentrao all start.
Barring that, their only other change comes in the form of Cristiano Ronaldo's return. The Portuguese was rested for the midweek Copa del Rey defeat to Atletico Madrid, but he replaces Sami Khedira, whose void is in turn filled by Isco.
Real Madrid: Casillas; Arbeloa, Pepe, Varane, Coentrao; James, Kroos, Isco; Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo
Subs: Navas, Khedira, Chicharito, Nacho, Jese, Illarramendi
Espanyol: Casilla; Arbilla, Colotto, Alvaro, Fuentes; Canas, Joan, Montanes, Sanchez; Garcia, Caicedo
Subs: Pau, Moreno, Abraham, Alex, Jordan, Luque, Stuani
Referee: Fernandez Borbalan
