Real Madrid have had injury issues all season round, and that is set to follow with yet another setback for Carlo Ancelotti's side.
Antonio Rudiger, who was a major doubt for the match against the Vallecas outfit, is officially ruled out due to illness.
The other player is Thibaut Courtois, who we predicted to start at Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday. It is only a setback for the time being, however, as both of them look to return for the match against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday without any major issues.
Courtois, according to AS, has been suffering from a slight strain on his right patellar for some time. It is nothing to worry about and he will simply rest today. He should still be available, by the sound of the report from the Spanish media outlet.
Rudiger is ill, and it is clear that a day's rest would do him well. It should be noted that Rudiger would have probably got a well-deserved rest either way, as he has seemed a bit tired in the last few games. Combine that with the visit to Wanda Metropolitano on Wednesday, no risk would have been taken so that Rudiger arrives in that game in top condition.
Andriy Lunin, who has not played a whole lot this season, finally gets a start in the league for the first time since the last injury to Courtois. He is probably the best back-up goalkeeper in the world, however, so everyone can rest easy that Real Madrid's goal is in safe hands.
In Rudiger's place, it will be David Alaba who starts alongside Raul Asencio, which looks like a good partnership. It gives Alaba a chance to get back into match fitness and play his way into top form, and Asencio is practically too good to bench right now, so it makes sense for everyone involved.
They will have to be attentive, however, as Rayo are a really good team with plenty to offer going forward.