Real Madrid have been boosted by the return of utility player Lucas Vazquez from injury ahead of Sunday’s La Liga clash with Almeria.

The club stalwart hasn’t featured for Los Blancos since the 1-0 win over Mallorca earlier this month after suffering a hamstring injury, which ruled him out of contention for the Supercopa de Espana finals.

Having missed Madrid’s last four games, 32-year-old Vazquez has been named in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad to face Almeria as they look to reclaim top spot in La Liga from Girona, who take on Sevilla in the evening.

The nine-time Spain international has contributed two league assists so far this season, while his sole goal was a 92nd-minute winner in a 1-0 victory at Alaves just before Christmas.

Formerly a forward-thinking winger, Vazquez’s seven starts across Spain’s top flight and the Champions League have all come at right-back. Dani Carvajal is still expected to feature in that position on Sunday, but his compatriot’s return adds much-needed depth for Ancelotti.

Important first-team stars Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao and David Alaba remain out of contention, with only Militao expected to feature again later this season.

Facing the lowest-placed team in La Liga, a big response is needed at the Bernabeu following the Copa del Rey elimination at the hands of city rivals Atletico Madrid on Thursday.

Madrid were never ahead at Wanda Metropolitano but still took the game to extra time as Joselu equalised late on after Atleti strikes from Samuel Lino and Alvaro Morata and Jan Oblak’s own goal. Antoine Griezmann’s stunner put the hosts ahead again before Rodrigo Riquelme wrapped up a 4-2 win.

That cup exit means Los Blancos will focus on reclaiming the league title and succeeding in the Champions League during the second half of the 2023/24 campaign.