Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed his squad for Sunday's Madrid derby, with Karim Benzema and Lucas Vazquez both missing for the visitors through injury.
The 34-year-old had been facing an uphill battle to recover from a thigh problem in time for the La Liga contest, and Ancelotti revealed during Saturday's press conference that the centre-forward would miss out.
"Benzema will not be ready for the match, he has started to work individually. He will have the break in order to come back after. I am clear on the plan," the Italian told reporters.
As a result, Rodrygo is likely to play through the middle as a false nine, with the Brazil international expected to get the nod over Eden Hazard in that area of the field.
Vazquez is also out of this match, with the Spaniard picking up a thigh injury during the team's 4-1 victory over Mallorca in La Liga last weekend.
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"Following tests carried out on our player Lucas Vazquez by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with an injury to the gracilis muscle of the right thigh. His recovery will continue to be assessed," the Spanish champions said in a recent statement.
Eder Militao has missed Real Madrid's last two matches due to a muscular issue, but the Brazilian has been declared fit for Sunday's Madrid derby.
"He is ready to play, he has trained well, he might play from the start or not. I have that doubt. I can only choose eleven and I have to choose well," Ancelotti added.
The Los Blancos manager must now decide whether to immediately recall Militao to the middle of his defence or keep faith with Antonio Rudiger alongside David Alaba in the middle.
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Jesus Vallejo and Alvaro Odriozola have both recently spent time on the sidelines, but the pair have now returned to fitness and are in the squad for the clash with Diego Simeone's side.
Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy are expected to start in the full-back areas, while Toni Kroos and Luka Modric should be joined by Aurelien Tchouameni in midfield.
Federico Valverde is set to feature off the right of a front three once again, with Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior also expected to start for the reigning Spanish and European champions.
Real Madrid, who have won all eight of their games in three separate competitions this term, have been knocked off the top of the La Liga table due to Barcelona's 3-0 win over Elche on Saturday afternoon.
Real Madrid squad vs. Atletico Madrid:
Courtois, Lunin, Lopes; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Vallejo, Odriozola, Rudiger, Mendy; Kroos, Modric, Camavinga, Valverde, Tchouameni, Ceballos; Hazard, Asensio, Vinicius, Rodrygo, Mariano
Matt Law
