Marcelo a derby doubt after pulling up in training
The Brazilian full back did not complete Thursday's session but Zinedine Zidane is optimistic. Danilo or Carvajal will step in if necessary.
Zinedine Zidane wore a concerned expression at the end of Thursday’s training session in Valdebebas. The reason for the Frenchman’s worry was Marcelo limping off of the pitch with a mild muscle strain. The Brazilian full back has to be considered a doubt for Saturday’s derby against Atlético although tests on Friday will determine the extent of the injury, which is not thought to be serious. Marcelo has been playing through a shoulder problem for the last couple of games and required pain-killing injections against Roma in the Champions League.
After consulting the club doctors, Zidane was cautiously optimistic about Marcelo’s chances of making the derby but the club will not risk the Brazilian if he is not fully fit. If Marcelo is ruled out of the game either Nacho or Danilo will stand in at left back, although Zidane may also choose to play Dani Carvajal there as he did in the victory against Athletic, with Danilo on the right.