UPDATE: Rodrygo did not travel with the team after suffering a new muscle injury. Expect Brahim Díaz to start in his place.

Three days after their third defeat in seven games, Real Madrid face Girona in La Liga.

Although Real Madrid moved within a point of Barcelona last weekend, the gap at the top of La Liga is back to four points after Los Blancos failed to get a result against Athletic Bilbao. Nothing went well for Carlo Ancelotti’s team in San Mamés; Kylian Mbappé missed another penalty, Fede Valverde gave the hosts their second goal and almost everyone except Jude Bellingham struggled to put in a solid performance.

The reigning Spanish and European champions will have to quickly turn the page and prepare for a game against Girona without the injured Vinícius Júnior, Eduardo Camavinga, David Alaba, Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão. However, Vinícius Júnior and Alaba returned to training with the team and the Brazilian is expected to be back on December 10 against Atalanta.

Until Real Madrid get Vinícius Júnior back, the club will need to pick up three points against Girona if they want to keep the pressure on Hansi Flick’s men.

This is what Real Madrid’s team could look like on December 7th against Girona.

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TW: Thibaut Courtois—Courtois has conceded just four goals in as many games since returning from injury.

RB: Lucas Vazquez—The Spaniard continues to represent the right flank in the absence of Dani Carvajal.

CB: Raul Asencio—The former Real Madrid Castilla player didn’t play his best against Athletic Bilbao, but he is still a strong replacement for Éder Militão as Ancelotti awaits Alaba’s return.

CB: Antonio Rüdiger—Rüdiger continues to be one of Ancelotti’s most consistent and physical players, but he needs the help of his supporting team to keep Girona off the scoresheet.

LB: Ferland Mendy– Expect Mendy to return to the eleven after Fran García struggled in midweek.

CM: Fede Valverde—Valverde will look to bounce back after scoring Athletic Bilbao’s winning goal on Wednesday.

CM: Aurélien Tchouaméni—The Frenchman had a forgetful night at San Mamés and needs to play better against a Girona side that hasn’t lost a La Liga game since October.

CM: Luka Modrić—The midfield begged for the Croatian’s creativity and leadership in Wednesday’s game. Modrić could start for the first time since Real Madrid’s defeat to Liverpool.

AM: Jew Bellingham—Bellingham enters Saturday’s game with four goals in as many La Liga games. The England international was by far Real Madrid’s best player against Athletic Bilbao.

ST: Rodrygo– Without Vinícius Júnior, the Brazilian will have to contribute to Los Blancos’ goalscoring load. Rodrygo has not found the net since returning from injury.

ST: Kylian Mbappe—Mbappé will want to redeem himself after missing a second penalty in three games.

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