Real Madrid are hopeful of having Karim Benzema available for selection against Granada, with the striker missing out against Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey due to a hamstring problem.

Benzema is expected to be fit to lead the attack, but head coach Carlo Ancelotti will be without the services of Vinicius Junior through suspension.

Dani Carvajal should be back in the XI this weekend after a period out following a positive COVID-19 test, but Ferland Mendy is out for at least another week with a muscular issue.

Mariano Diaz is also a doubt, but Eden Hazard and Gareth Bale are among the available options for Ancelotti in the final third of the field.

The Italian has decisions to make when it comes to the forward areas, and Marco Asensio and Rodrygo are likely to support Benzema at centre-forward, providing that the Frenchman can prove his fitness.

Mendy's absence at left-back should see Nacho continue in the middle of the defence, with David Alaba starting at full-back, but Marcelo is also available for selection.

Ancelotti will be wary of starting Luka Modric following his 90 minutes against Athletic in the Copa del Rey, but it seems unlikely that the Croatian will drop out here due to the importance of the contest, with Real Madrid only boasting a four-point advantage over second-placed Sevilla in the table.

Real Madrid possible starting lineup: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Nacho, Alaba; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Asensio, Benzema, Rodrygo body check tags ::