In the wake of injuries to Eduardo Camavinga, just before the UEFA Super Cup, and Jude Bellingham, ahead of the second round of La Liga, Luka Modric is set to step into Carlo Ancelotti's starting lineup. His role will be crucial in enhancing game control and improving possession.

Modric’s last start for Real Madrid was on May 19, against Villarreal, in a match where the team had already secured the La Liga title and Ancelotti was rotating his squad with the Champions League final in mind.

He returned to the bench in the final league game, which was a trial for the team that would start against Borussia Dortmund in London, where he played only the last five minutes of what would be his sixth Champions League title.

Modric also came off the bench in the Super Cup final against Atalanta in Warsaw and the league opener at Mallorca. However, with Camavinga and Bellingham sidelined, Modric now becomes the primary candidate to fill the gap.

With Camavinga out for about a month due to a knee sprain, and Bellingham expected to be unavailable for the same period, Ancelotti must adjust his plans. Following the news of Bellingham's injury, the coaching staff held a meeting at Valdebebas to discuss midfield options.

Modric, along with Dani Ceballos and the possibility of shifting Arda Güler and Brahim Díaz, emerges as key options for upcoming matches. Real Madrid's switch to a 4-3-3 system to accommodate Kylian Mbappé and the absence of Toni Kroos has affected fluidity in their gameplay. Modric and Ceballos are seen as crucial for maintaining ball control, while Güler and Brahim would extend Ancelotti's offensive strategy.

Ancelotti, already adjusting his lineup due to Ferland Mendy's suspension and the introduction of Fran García, now faces a decision on who will replace Bellingham. Modric is the most likely candidate, but with three matches in a week against Valladolid, Las Palmas, and Betis, other players who have had limited playtime might also get their chance.