Courtois starts against Atletico as injured Marcelo misses out

Real Madrid’s Marcelo has not recovered from a calf injury in time to feature in Saturday’s derby, but Thibaut Courtois will face his former team Atletico Madrid.

Brazil left-back Marcelo had been expected to be absent for Atletico’s visit to the Santiago Bernabeu after suffering a knock in Wednesday’s 3-0 defeat at Sevilla.

As a result, Nacho Fernandez is likely to feature on the left side of Madrid’s defence, which also includes Raphael Varane, Dani Carvajal and Sergio Ramos.

Despite an unconvincing display against Sevilla, Courtois keeps his place and faces his former team for the first time since joining Madrid from Chelsea, and he is likely to get a frosty reception from visiting fans.

 ¡Este es nuestro once inicial para el partido contra el @Atleti! #RMDerbi | #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/V3WYnOYXQB

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) September 29, 2018

Atletico coach Diego Simeone has sprung few surprises and has been handed a boost by Jose Gimenez, who starts despite suffering a minor muscular injury against Huesca on Tuesday.

| STARTING LINE-UP
Take a look at our starting 11 for this evening’s match at Bernabéu!
¡ATLEEEEEEEETI! #AúpaAtleti #RealMadridAtleti pic.twitter.com/jUjUU5vkvs

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) September 29, 2018