Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos is expected to sit out the club's La Liga meeting with Elche this weekend due to the threat of missing the Madrid derby with Atletico Madrid next month.

A booking for the Spanish centre-back against Elche would rule him out of the clash at the Calderon on March 2, with Marca claiming that boss Carlo Ancelotti is not prepared to take the risk.

Ramos's place in the XI could be taken by Frenchman Raphael Varane, who has recently returned from a long-term knee injury.

Los Blancos currently sit level on points with Barcelona and Atletico at the top of La Liga.