Real Madrid will try to maintain their strong start to the Primera Division season on Sunday, when they travel to Granada.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side find themselves second in La Liga heading into the weekend, having lost just one of their opening 12 matches. They have been prolific in front of goal, netting 28 times – seven more than anyone else in the league – while they have conceded just 13.

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Meanwhile, Granada are sitting just above the relegation zone and are the type of side Madrid will feel they need to beat if they are to win the title, although the first match back after the international break is typically one fraught with difficulty.

Ancelotti will travel with a strong squad for the match, although they will be without Gareth Bale after the attacker picked up an injury on international duty.

The 32-year-old has not featured for Madrid since August but featured for Wales in World Cup qualifying when he picked up a knock against Belarus. He is not expected to return until mid-December after suffering what appears to be a recurrence of his previous calf injury.

Bale was booed by angry fans as he returned to Real Madrid’s training ground on Friday.

Otherwise, Real Madrid’s squad is in a happier state. Dani Ceballos will miss out and it is doubtful that fellow midfielder Fede Valverde will play.

There are also minor concerns over Rodrygo and Mariano Diaz.

The in-form attacking duo of Karim Benzema and Vini Jr will have starring roles from the start, while the midfield and defence will be working at full capacity.

Marco Asensio could occupy the spot on the right of attack, but that is the only area where there is a significant question mark ahead of Sunday’s encounter.

Probable Real Madrid starting XI versus Granada