MADRID, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid make the short trip to play Rayo Vallecano at the Vallecas Stadium in the south of Madrid on Sunday with coach Carlo Ancelotti again having to deal with a series of injuries, as well as questions about Kylian Mbappe.

Although Brahim Diaz has recovered quickly from the calf injury he suffered in Madrid's Champions League win away to RB Leipzig in midweek, Jude Bellingham's ankle injury means he will miss the game against Rayo Vallecano.

Central defender Antonio Rudiger is still out, along with Eder Militao and David Alaba and left back Ferland Mendy is suspended after picking up his fifth booking of the season last weekend.

Mendy's suspension should see Fran Garcia return against his former club, while Aurelian Tchouameni will repeat next to Nacho Fernandez in the heart of the Real Madrid defense.

Rayo sacked Francisco Rodriguez as coach at the start of the week following a run of just one win in 14 matches that leaves them on the verges of the relegation zone. Former assistant coach Inigo Perez was quickly named as Rodriguez's assistant and could hardly have chosen a more complicated debut.

The past 48 hours have been dominated by the story that Mbappe will leave Paris Saint Germain at the end of the season, with Real Madrid being his likely destination after the club has pursued the striker for several years.

In his Saturday press conference, Ancelotti was asked about the probability of the striker playing at the Bernabeu, but refused to be committed.

"I see and I listen, I understand that it's the question of the day for you (the press), but for us, the main thing is tomorrow's match. We have to do well and that's what I'm thinking about," said Ancelotti.

"I want to end the season well and to win titles. There is still a long way to go until next season," added the Real Madrid coach. Enditem

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