Midfielder Xabi Alonso is set to return for Real Madrid’s Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday.
The former Liverpool man missed the 4-0 victory over Real Zaragoza at the weekend through suspension, the 22nd game he has been absent since arriving at the club three years ago.
Jose Mourinho’s men lost six of those games and the Portuguese is aware how vital the 30-year-old Spanish international is to his team, while he may also make two other changes to his starting XI.
Michael Essien will partner Alonso in midfield in place of the injured Sami Khedira with Alvaro Arbeloa returning to the left-back spot after being substituted against Zaragoza as a precaution.
In attack, Karim Benzema could replace Gonzalo Higuain as it is understood the Frenchman’s game is more suited to counteract Borussia’s style of play at the back.
