Real Sociedad vs. Real Madrid lineups, expected starting 11, confirmed team news and injuries: Eder Militao return eases defensive crisis

Real Madrid resume La Liga duties with a visit to Real Sociedad on Saturday.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side claimed a 2-0 victory over Real Betis prior to the international break, giving them two wins and two draws from their opening four league games of 2024/25. They are already four points behind rivals Barcelona.

Discourse is already rife over how to bring the best out of superstar forward Kylian Mbappe, particularly in the injury absence of Jude Bellingham, and there will be plenty of scrutiny on the France international against Imanol Alguacil’s side.

Sociedad were deeply uninspiring in a goalless draw with Getafe before the internationals, but they received some welcome news on the injury front ahead of this fixture.

The Sporting News looks at the latest team news and predicted lineups for this match.

MORE: All the latest soccer news | Barcelona news | Real Madrid news

Real Sociedad vs. Real Madrid lineups, predicted starting 11, team news

Mikel Oyarzabal made a surprise return to training this week after suffering a serious ankle sprain on Spain duty. There is a chance the forward could be in the matchday squad for Saturday’s game.

Hamari Traore and Brais Mendez are expected to miss out, so Oyarzabal’s return would be welcome for a team that managed just one shot against Getafe in their 0-0 draw prior to the international break.

Arsen Zakharyan, Alvaro Odriozola, and Aritz Elustondo are also doubts.

Real Sociedad predicted XI (4-4-1-1, right to left): Remiro (GK) — Munoz, Zubeldia, Pacheco, Aramburu — Kubo, Zubimendi, Turrientes, Gomez — Barrenetxea — Umar

Injured: Arsen Zakharyan, Alvaro Odriozola, Aritz Elustondo, Mikel Oyarzabal (doubt), Hamari Traore, Brais Mendez
Suspended: None

Eder Militao returned to training at an optimal time following an injury scare. With David Alaba and Ferland Mendy also sidelined and both Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga missing from midfield, Militao’s partnership with Antonio Rudiger should bring some important stability. Fran Garcia will likely start at left-back.

Ancelotti could switch to a 4-2-3-1 given Tchouameni and Camavinga are out. That would see Luka Modric partner Federico Valverde in the middle, with Brahim Diaz starting as a No. 10 in the continued absence of Jude Bellingham.

Real Madrid predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Courtois (GK) — Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Garcia — Valverde, Modric — Rodrygo, Brahim Diaz, Vinicius — Mbappe

Injured: David Alaba, Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Ceballos, Aurelien Tchouameni, Ferland Mendy, Jesus Vallejo
Suspended: None

Real Sociedad vs. Real Madrid live stream, TV channel

Here’s how to watch this La Liga match across selected areas of the world’s major regions:

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