Real Madrid return to league action under a cloud, with Kylian Mbappé’s off-field activity during his recovery period adding unwanted noise before Villarreal visit the Bernabéu.
Madrid, fourth in the table ahead of the eighth round, face ninth-placed Villarreal needing a response after Barcelona opened a six-point advantage at the top. José Mourinho’s side cannot afford another setback if they are to remain in contact with their rivals.
Mbappé expected to keep his place
Mbappé has been at the centre of criticism after being seen at a Paris nightclub and later riding a bicycle in Switzerland while he was meant to be resting following an injury suffered against Turkey. The episodes have been viewed as a lack of professionalism, but the French forward is still expected to start.
Madrid have limited alternatives, particularly with Federico Valverde unavailable. Vinicius Junior’s form has also become a concern: the Brazilian has scored only once and has not reached the standards of recent campaigns.
Defensive reshuffle for Mourinho
Mourinho must also rebuild the centre of his defence. Dean Huijsen is suspended, while Éder Militão is injured, leaving Antonio Rüdiger alongside Ibrahima Konaté, who has only just returned from injury.
Villarreal arrive with problems of their own in front of goal, where a lack of finishing has held back the Yellow Submarine. But Madrid’s priority is clear: turn their difficult week into a win and stop Barcelona moving further out of reach.
