James Rodriguez, Sergio Ramos and Marcelo to miss Real Madrid's trip to Atletico Madrid

Posted Thursday, February 05, 2015 by skysports.com

Sergio Ramos: Will miss the clash with Atletico

James Rodriguez, Sergio Ramos and Marcelo will miss Real Madrid's derby trip to Atletico Madrid this weekend.

Ramos limped off with a hamstring problem after only eight minutes of the 2-1 win over Sevilla on Wednesday evening while Rodriguez suffered an injury to his right foot after opening the scoring.

Left-back Marcelo is also set to miss the derby after he collected his fifth booking of the season, but Carlo Ancelotti is confident his squad can cope.

"Sergio had a hamstring problem, we need to wait a few days to evaluate it. James had a problem in his right foot, I don't know exactly what, but it is sure that they won't be available," he said.

"I have confidence in the others. Nacho and (Raphael) Varane did very well, I have a lot of confidence in them. What we lose above all is experience, but sometimes enthusiasm is a good thing."

"The two of them (Varane and Nacho) give me a lot of confidence. Ramos and Pepe are among the best defenders in the world, but I am not worried."

Ancelotti also confirmed that Madrid will appeal Marcelo's booking, saying: "We will appeal Marcelo's yellow card because for me it wasn't even a foul."

The win over Sevilla moved Madrid four points clear at the top of La Liga and they could open up a 10-point lead over Atletico if they win at the Vicente Calderon.

Despite their key absentees, they will be boosted by the return of Cristiano Ronaldo from a two-game ban.

"It is important to have Cristiano back. Without him we have won two games, but it is sure that he will help us in the derby," said Ancelotti.