Real Madrid will again be without the services of Ferland Mendy for Saturday's La Liga clash with Villarreal, as the French defender continues his recovery from a calf issue.

Mendy had only just returned from a muscular problem before it was confirmed that he had suffered a calf injury in training, and he faces a battle to be back before the end of the month.

However, the defender is Real Madrid's only absentee at this moment in time, with Rodrygo passed fit to feature despite concerns over a knee issue.

Various reports had suggested that the Brazil international would be rested for this match, with Real Madrid set to take on Chelsea in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final next week.

However, the 22-year-old, who has scored 11 goals and registered 10 assists in 42 appearances in all competitions this season, has been named in the squad.

The only other notable team news involves Castilla forward Alvaro Rodriguez, who has not been selected for the first team despite being regularly included in recent weeks.

Mariano Diaz is named in the squad despite some fitness issues, while Eden Hazard will be hoping to feature following his involvement off the bench against Real Valladolid last weekend.

"We are fine. A bit tired, but no problem. We'll try to put out the best team to keep fighting in the league until the end," Ancelotti told reporters during his pre-match press conference.

The Italian is expected to make changes to his starting side following Wednesday's 4-0 victory over Barcelona in the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final, which booked their spot in the final.

"I am very well. Calm and excited. With a lot of motivation because the team is doing very well. On a personal level, I don't have any problems. In games like Wednesday's, there's a lot of pressure and when they're over you just want to rest," Ancelotti added.

"It was an important game. The win against Barca allows us to play in a Copa del Rey final. I don't know where I put it in my coaching career. Maybe I do put it in my top ten in terms of the level of football, but I have very good memories of other games."

Real Madrid are 11 points behind Barcelona in the La Liga table, but they could cut the gap to eight points with a win here, as Barcelona will not be in action until Monday night.

Real Madrid squad vs. Villarreal:

Courtois, Lunin, Lopes; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Vallejo, Nacho, Odriozola, Vazquez, Rudiger; Kroos, Modric, Camavinga, Valverde, Tchouameni, Ceballos; Hazard, Benzema, Asensio, Vinicius, Rodrygo, Mariano body check tags ::