Manchester United loanee Javier Hernandez tipped to rescue Real Madrid from injury crisis

Manchester United loanee Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez is expected to have a chance to prove his worth at Real Madrid during the Champions League quarter-final second-leg tie against Atletico Madrid on 22 April.

After a 0-0 draw at the Vicente Calderon, the Champions League holders need a victory to go through to the semi-final.

And manager Carlo Ancelotti will have to face the big test against their noisy neighbours without four of his untouchable players.

Former Tottenham duo Gareth Bale and Luka Modric will miss the game after suffering injuries during the La Liga victory over Malaga on 18 April, while left-back Marcelo will be out of action through suspension after being booked in the first leg at El Calderon.

Meanwhile, Karim Benzema has been trying to recover on time for the game but Real Madrid announced on 21 April that the France international "has a sprain to the medial collateral ligament of his right knee" and is also expected to be on the sidelines.

The Real Madrid boss will have to rebuild his line-up with a number of fringe players including Hernandez, who is tipped to fill the void left by Benzema in the number nine role.

The Manchester United loanee has played a peripheral role at the Santiago Bernabeu since his move from Old Trafford, having started just six games in all competitions, while playing for fewer than 1,000 minutes in the whole campaign.

But having made his first starting La Liga appearances in the last two victories over Eibar and Malaga, Spanish press have tipped the Mexico international to lead the Real Madrid attack in the Champions League quarter-final and rescue Ancelotti from the injury crisis.

AS claims "in a matter of days he has gone from a back-up striker to a Great White Hope", pointing out Hernandez has scored one goal and provided one assist in his last two starting appearances, while he has linked well with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Meanwhile, Marca believes "It Chicharito's time" and added: "The Mexican has a chance to not only prove a point but also help Real Madrid seal their place in the semi-finals of Europe's top club competition. 'Chicharito' is on great form. He set up Real Madrid's third goal just as Malaga were pushing for an equaliser and showed that he can play perfectly in a 4-4-2, the system the Italian is likely to use as he looks to beat Simeone's side.

Hernandez, who still has contact with Old Trafford, recently admitted his frustration over the lack of playing time under Ancelotti and suggested he could leave in the summer.

But should the United loanee pass the big test against Atletico Madrid, he may have a chance to extended his spell with the Champions League holders for a further season amid his uncertain return to Old Trafford.