Captain Iker Casillas and Cristiano Ronaldo have not been selected for Real Madrid's Champions League tie against Dinamo Zagreb.
Youngster Jose Callejon starts in midfield, as does summer signing from Borussia Dortmund Nuri Sahin.
Former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Lassana Diarra will start at right-back in the Bernabeu.
Real Madrid: Adan; Lass, Sergio Ramos, Varane, Fábio Coentrao; Xabi Alonso, Mesut Özil, Jose Callejon, Nuri Sahin; Higuain, Karim Benzema
Dinamo Zagreb: Kelava; Ibanez, Tonel, Vida, Cufre; Calello Kovacic, Sammir, Badelj; Alispahic, Beciraj