Lopetegui ready to rotate: Odriozola, Mariano, Nacho, Ceballos and Vinicius LaLiga Santander - Real Madrid Could use fringe players against Espanyol

Julen Lopetegui is approaching the LaLiga Santander clash with Espanyol with one eye on the coming two weeks which could lead him to rotate his squad.

So far the coach has tinkered little with the Real Madrid starting lineup but now they face a more crowded fixture run that will see them travel to Sevilla next Wednesday and then take on Atletico Madrid at home next Saturday.

Courtois will return in goal after being a substitute in the Champions League, while in the defensive line, Odriozola could well start with Carvajal discarded. Nacho will also come in for either Ramos or Varane at centre half, or Marcelo even at left back.

Lopetegui is well aware that an in-form Espanyol are a threat but he could bring in Ceballos for Casemiro in midfield, while Kroos and Modric could also be rested.

The coach has made it clear that he has three fixed midfielders for the big games but he will make rotations in the league.

The return of Asensio

In attack, Bale and Benzema are set to start but could well come off after break, and it is likely that Asensio returns to the starting lineup after being on the bench against Roma.

Isco is a possibility as a fourth man in midfield or in attack if in the end Bale or Benzema is rested. Lucas Vazquez is another that is looking for minutes as is even Vinicius Junior who has been included in the squad.