Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid: Luka Modric and Isco return to training but Gareth Bale still out

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has received a massive boost ahead of the derby against Atletico Madrid on Saturday (27 February) after Luca Modric, Dani Carvajal and Isco all returned to training on Wednesday morning. However, Karim Benzema and Marcelo missed the preparation, alongside long-term absentee duo Pepe and Gareth Bale.

Following a disappointing draw with Malaga at the weekend, Los Blancos will host their local rivals in arguably their last opportunity to keep their dim hopes of winning La Liga alive. Real Madrid are already nine points behind Barcelona and one behind their cross-city neighbours. A new setback would effecitvely end their aspirations of winning their first La Liga title since 2012, when Jose Mourinho was still at the helm.

Modric, Carvajal and Isco started the 1-1 at the La Rosaleda over the weekend but their participation against Atletico Madrid was doubted after they missed yesterday's training session, training in the gym alongside Benzema, who had missed the encounter with Malaga due to a hip injury.

But Real Madrid have now confirmed through their official website that the trio are back in training and ready for Saturday. However, there was also negative news as Marcelo missed the session, despite training with his teammates on Tuesday.

Benzema remains in the gym, but reports in Spain suggest that both Marcelo and the France international have a chance to recover in time for the visit of Atletico Madrid.

Pepe and Bale, however, continue with their recovery process away from their teammates and are expected to remain out of action for Saturday. The Real Madrid centre-back is yet to play since the draw against Real Betis in January while the former Spurs wideman has being out of action since suffering an injury during 5-1 win over Sporting Gijon on 17 January.