MADRID - Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti faces a dilemma following an injury to Croatia midfielder Luka Modric when the leaders return to La Liga action after the international break at promoted Eibar tomorrow.

Modric is likely to be out until at least January and replacing him with Spain playmaker Isco, who has been in fine form for club and country, would add creativity in attack but might leave the defence exposed.

Deploying Sami Khedira alongside Germany team- mate Toni Kroos would create a more solid unit but one which might lack inspiration going forward.

"Khedira and Kroos are a pair of world champions," Ancelotti said. "I would like to try Isco with Kroos because he gives us a lot more quality but then we would have to sort out the defensive issue."

Whatever Ancelotti decides, Real are likely to continue their imperious form at Eibar. Cristiano Ronaldo has been in prolific form this season, helping Real put together a run of 13 straight victories in all competitions and amass a jaw-dropping 52 goals.

"We must respect the fact that they are some of the world's best players but we must leave any fear behind in the dressing room," Eibar forward Mikel Arruabarrena said.

After 11 La Liga matches, Real are two points clear of Barcelona, who host fifth-placed Sevilla tomorrow when Barca forward Lionel Messi will have another chance to equal or overtake the top-flight scoring record.

Champions Atletico Madrid, who are four points behind Real in fourth, play at home to sixth-placed Malaga tomorrow, while third-placed Valencia are at crosstown rivals Levante on Sunday.

Former Manchester United and Everton manager David Moyes will make his debut as Real Sociedad coach in tomorrow's game away at Deportivo La Coruna.

Fixtures

Tonight: Athletic Club v Espanyol

Tomorrow: Atletico Madrid v Malaga, Eibar v Real Madrid,

Barcelona v Sevilla,

Deportivo la Coruna v Real Sociedad

Sunday: Rayo Vallecano v Celta Vigo, Levante v Valencia, Elche v Cordoba, Villarreal v Getafe

Monday: Granada v Almeria.