Ancelotti confirms Vallejo will start v Espanyol, suggests new role for Casemiro

"The starting eleven for tomorrow? I can't use Alaba [injured], Nacho and Militao [suspended] tomorrow, so Vallejo will play," Carlo Ancelotti has told the media ahead of the Espanyol game.

"I could use Casemiro as a centre-back because he has recovered from an injury," the Italian boss added.

The last time Casemiro played as a centre-back was in 2018 when Real Madrid faced Leganes (2-1) in La Liga.

Jesus Vallejo, in turn, has had just 14 minutes of first-team football this season.

Real Madrid need just one point to officially secure the La Liga title.