Preview: Madrid-Villarreal

Sergio Ramos and Karim Benzema are still out for Real Madrid against Villarreal, who have not called up Roger Martinez, this afternoon.

Ramos continues to nurse a calf injury and may not be back for another weeks, while Benzema's hamstring problem is likely to rule him out until the end of the month.

Marcos Llorente is also out with a shoulder injury, but despite Los Blancos' bad time on and off the field, Villarreal boss Javi Calleja is refusing to think any less of the champions.

“Madrid will always be Madrid, regardless of how they're doing,” he said at a Press conference.

“We'll try to be ourselves and feel comfortable. We have to take a step forward mentally and be able to handle the encounter.

“We always look to exploit our qualities, regardless of our opponents. The idea is to be ourselves, whoever we're facing.

“I won't rule out making chances to how we play, but it's always with the idea of winning.”

Calleja also confirmed Martinez would not be called up, Cedric Bakambu's replacement not yet match-fit after not playing for two months.

Madrid have won only four of their last nine games against Villarreal in La Liga but have never lost to the Valencians on home soil.

Real Madrid (probable): Keylor; Carvajal, Varane, Nacho, Marcelo; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Isco; Bale, Ronaldo

Injuries/suspensions: Ramos, Benzema, Marcos Llorente, Luca (I)

Villarreal (probable): Asenjo; Mario, Alvaro, Bonera, Jaume; Rodri, Trigueros; Castillejo, Fornals, Raba; Bacca

Injuries/suspensions: Andres, Sansone, Soriano, Semedo, Bruno (I) Victor Ruiz (S) Roger (not called)

Referee: Undiano Mallenco

Form guide: Madrid – 4th (D L W D W) Villarreal – 13th (D W W L L)

Previous meeting: Villarreal 2-3 Madrid

Venue: Santiago Bernabeu

Kick-off time: 15:15 GMT/16:15 local time (LIVE on Football Espana)

La Liga - Club News