Real Madrid team news, injuries for derby vs Atlético: Alaba, Rodrygo, Tchouaméni

Real Madrid will have to wait until later in the week for more details on their potential absentees from this weekend’s clash with Atlético Madrid, but Los Blancos are fairly certain that David Alaba will not be available for the Spanish-capital derby.

Alaba, Rodrygo both pick up injuries at Anfield

Alaba limped out of Madrid’s Champions League win over Liverpool with a hamstring problem, Nacho Fernández replacing the Austrian. Nacho went on to put in an impressive display at Anfield, shackling Mohamed Salah - who had scored one and set up another before the Spaniard’s introduction.

Rodrygo Goes also had to be substituted during Madrid’s 5-2 victory in Tuesday’s last-16 first leg, having hurt his left gluteus. However, there is greater optimism over the Brazilian forward’s condition.

Pair set for tests this week

Alaba and Rodrygo will undergo tests on Thursday to ascertain the exact extent of the injuries they sustained. While Madrid are not expecting the former to be able to face Atlético, it’s felt that the latter could make it back in time, as long as his scan doesn’t reveal major damage.

That said, head coach Carlo Ancelotti may well opt against rushing back a player who has been an important figure for Madrid this season, scoring 10 goals in all competitions for the Spanish and European champions. Whatever the diagnosis turns out to be, it’s likely that Rodrygo will held back with one eye on Madrid’s Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Barcelona on 2 March.

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Tchouaméni in line for comeback in derby

Meanwhile, Madrid are confident that Aurélien Tchouaméni will be able to return against Atlético. The Frenchman was due to start against Osasuna at the weekend, but dropped out of the Madrid squad with flu. This also ruled him out of Tuesday’s trip to Liverpool, but he is expected to be fit for Saturday’s game.