Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that James Rodriguez and Sergio Ramos will miss the Madrid derby against La Liga champions Atletico on Saturday after suffering injuries in his side’s 2-1 win over Sevilla on Wednesday.
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Ramos limped off with a hamstring problem after only eight minutes, while Rodriguez suffered an injury in his right foot after opening the scoring.
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Ancelotti is short of defensive options with Portuguese international centre-back Pepe also currently sidelined due to a rib injury.
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However, the Italian insisted he is confident that youngsters Raphael Varane and Nacho can handle the challenge posed by Diego Simeone’s men.
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“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,” said Ancelotti.
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“I have confidence in the others. Nacho and (Raphael) Varane did very well, I have a lot of confidence in them.
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“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.”
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Left-back Marcelo is also set to miss the game after picking up his fifth booking of the season in the second-half, but Ancelotti said the club will appeal that decision in the hope he will be cleared to play.
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