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Real Madrid will seek a first Premier League win for more than a month when they travel to face Athletic Club at San Mames.
Xabi Alonso's side were held to a third consecutive draw by Girona at the weekend, a result that puts them four points behind Barcelona at the top of the table with a game in hand.
Barca claimed a statement win on Tuesday, beating Atletico Madrid 3-1 at Camp Nou.
Athletic suffered a hammering of their own against Barcelona, going down 4-0, but returned to winning ways at Levante.
MORE: Champions League top goal scorers | La Liga top goal scorers
Real Madrid lineup vs. Athletic Club: Projected starting XI
Formation: 4-3-1-2
Courtois (GK)
Alexander-Arnold, Militao Rudiger, Carreras
Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga
Bellingham
Mbappe, Vinicius
Real Madrid team news
Xabi Alonso still has a host of defensive concerns, with Dani Carvajal, Dean Huijsen, David Alaba and Ferland Mendy all still out.
Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger returned from their own injuries against Girona and will need to continue at centre-back.
Jude Bellingham was also back in action against the Catalan club and will likely start alongside England team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold.
MORE: Does Vinicius Jr. have a gripe about his playing time under Xabi Alonso?
Real Madrid injury list
Below is the latest injury picture for Real Madrid, and estimated return dates for those who are sidelined.
Dean Huijsen
Injury: Knee/thigh
Expected return date: December 3
Huijsen is reportedly suffering with a muscle issue in his thigh that is perhaps related to a knee problem. Alonso is likely to avoid risking against Athletic Club now Militao and Rudiger have returned.
Franco Mastantuono
Injury: Pubalgia
Expected return date: Unknown
Teenage midfielder Mastantuono has been struck down by the same ailment that has hindered Barcelona star Lamine Yamal.
Similar to what is known as a "sports hernia," the injury is one that has to be managed and can result in an absence ranging from a few weeks to several months depending on the severity.
Dani Carvajal
Injury: Knee surgery
Expected return date: Late December 2025
Spain star Carvajal missed the majority of last season due to a horrific ACL tear and the club confirmed he needs surgery on separate knee problem, which flared up against Barcelona. He could miss the remainder of 2025 as part of his recovery.
Athletic Club vs. Real Madrid match details
Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Kickoff time: 7 p.m. local / 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 5 a.m. AEDT (Dec. 4)
Location: San Mames (Bilbao, Spain)
Competition: La Liga matchweek 15
Referee: Jesus Gil Manzano
VAR: Daniel Trujillo Suarez