Real Madrid have named the 20-man squad, not including winger Gareth Bale, that will travel to Rome to take on AS Roma in the first knockout round of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.
Bale’s calf injuries have been a big problem for the Madrid outfit, with the Welsh international suffering from similar injuries on 5 different occasions since joining in 2013.
Bale blow for Real Madrid
The winger was initially expected to miss only three weeks after limping off against Granada on January 17, and there were positive updates on his fitness on Madrid’s official site too. However, he did not take part in the weekend clash against Athletic Bilbao.
Marca had claimed that the winger will not be fit in time to face Roma, which is now confirmed with Real Madrid naming the official 20-man squad that will travel to Rome that does not feature him. He is likely to be out of the fixture against Atletico Madrid at the Bernabeu on February 27th too, as per the newspaper.
Marcelo in the squad
Barely a week ago, Marcelo had dislocated his shoulder. However, the defender has recovered with quite remarkable speed and rejoined the training session earlier today. He has been deemed fit enough to be included in the 20-man squad, that also features Lucas Vazquez coming in for Gareth Bale.
Marcelo has been ever-present for Real Madrid this season, and his return will boost their chances of getting a positive result in Rome.
Real Madrid 20-man squad against AS Roma
Goalkeepers: Keylor Navas, Kiko Casilla and Rubén Yáñez.
Defenders: Ramos, Varane, Arbeloa, Carvajal, Danilo, Marcelo and Nacho.
Midfielders: Kroos, Casemiro, Isco, James Rodríguez, Modric and Kovacic.
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema, Jesé and Lucas Vázquez.