Real Madrid get their UEFA Champions League title defence underway on September 17 as VfB Stuttgart land in the Spanish capital.

As part of the reformatted competition structure, Real Madrid will face two extra games in the first phase, as the group stage is swapped for the league phase.

A packed match schedule, across domestic and European action and international games has caused controversy for Ancelotti within his season planning.

MORE: All the latest soccer news | Real Madrid UEFA Champions League fixtures | Real Madrid news

Ancelotti has previously stated his intention to give players unofficial holidays after international duty to allow for rest periods throughout the campaign.

Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe scored a penalty each, as Real Madrid returned from the international window with a 2-0 La Liga win at Real Sociedad, to maintain their unbeaten record so far in 2024/25.

However, with Brahim Diaz joining a growing injury list, Ancelotti needs to change things up against VfB Stuttgart, with the Moroccan international potentially missing three months as per Diario AS.

Eder Militao completed 90 minutes at La Real, and has been given the fitness green light by Ancelotti, but the Italian coach confirmed rotations in defence are expected in midweek.

Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni face late fitness tests, but Jesus Vallejo could play a role for Ancelotti, with David Alaba still sidelined.