Real Madrid kick off a busy month of La Liga action at home to Leganes this weekend.

Carlo Ancelotti's side face a minimum of eight games between now and the end of April, with the possibility of two more if they reach the Copa del Rey final and the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.

Ancelotti reiterated his concerns about the packed schedule, but the veteran Italian coach admitted there was little choice but to press on and prepare as best they could.

The squad to face Leganes will include a notable absentee in the shape of number one Thibaut Courtois, who returned from injury on international duty with Belgium.

It has been a mixed international comeback for Courtois, who conceded three goals against Ukraine and then missed the return match through injury.

Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal remain long-term absentees, while Ferland Mendy and Dani Ceballos are not yet ready to return.

Defender Jesus Vallejo is back in the squad after recovering from injury, while Andriy Lunin will deputise for Courtois as Ancelotti's men look to challenge La Liga leaders Barcelona.

After Leganes, Real Madrid host Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg and Valencia in the league before a Champions League trip to Arsenal on 8 April.

The clash with the Gunners has been earmarked for some key returns by Ancelotti and he has confirmed that Mendy and Ceballos should be ready to go ahead of Courtois' return.

“Courtois’ absence is only a minor issue, and we’re trying to get Ceballos and Mendy back for the first leg against Arsenal,” as per quotes from Marca.

Ancelotti will make a late decision on Courtois' availability to face La Real, but he is unlikely to be risked even on the bench, with Lunin starting all of Real Madrid's Copa del Rey games so far this season.