Ferland Mendy is nearing a return, while Dani Carvajal looks set to be out until mid-October. Dani Ceballos and Marcelo are also still on the mend, while Gareth Bale looks set to miss significant time through his hamstring injury. Given the absence of Carvajal, Nacho Fernandez is likely to come in at right-back, allowing Miguel Gutierrez to continue on the left. There is a big decision to make in the middle given Eduardo Camavinga, but experience might decide it here. Federico Valverde is more likely to get the nod as Casemiro and Luka Modric come back in. Eden Hazard is also likely to return. Dani Raba and Samuel Chukwueze remain out, but they are nearing returns, while Gerard Moreno is hoping to recover for Wednesday's Champions League clash with Manchester United. Yeremy Pino suffered quad strain last time out and will likely be replaced by Moi Gomez for this one. Raul Albiol is expected to come back in, while it's a toss up in goal between Sergio Asengo and Geronimo Rulli. Asenjo was given his first start last time out in La Liga, and it's not clear how Unai Emery is using the goalkeepers this season having split games between cup and La Liga last term. Paco Alcacer is likely to lead the line after impressing last time out, grabbing an assist.