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Real Madrid welcome high-flying Girona to the Bernabéu for a top-of-the-table clash in LaLiga this weekend. Vinícius Júnior was unable to play in the club’s last match against Atlético Madrid, which ended in a 1-1 draw, as he suffered pain in his back during the warm-up. Brahim took his place in the starting eleven and although Vinícius warmed up in the second half, he did not end up taking to the field. However, the good news for Carlo Ancelotti is that Vinícius has recovered and looks set to start in Saturday’s decisive LaLiga encounter.

Girona and Champions League

The feeling that the Brazil international has transmitted to the coaching staff after doing a large part of Thursday’s session with the squad is a positive one. The team’s physios are still working with him ahead of this weekend’s clash but it now appears that he can feature against Girona. There remains a slight concern over the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 tie against RB Leipzig, and if there is any doubt over his fitness, Ancelotti could rest him against Girona, but it looks like that won’t be necessary.

Aurélien Tchouaméni will return to the team after serving a suspension in the derby and is expected to partner Antonio Rüdiger in the heart of the defence. The German recently suffered a thigh injury after a heavy blow against Getafe. Rüdiger worked in the gym and with the physios on Thursday, but he is expected to join the rest of the squad on Friday. The other player who seems certain to miss out, also with muscular problems, is Nacho.

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Real Madrid XI vs Girona

The Madrid defence against Girona could be made up of Rüdiger, Tchouaméni, Ferland Mendy and Dani Carvajal. Eduardo Camavinga will play in the middle alongside either Luka Modric or Toni Kroos and Fede Valverde, while Jude Bellingham will feature further forward, alongside Vinícius and Rodrygo.