Raphael Varane has been passed fit for inclusion in Real Madrid’s squad for Galatasaray, but there is still no sign of Iker Casillas.
Speculation this week has been that Coach Jose Mourinho is sure on 10 of the 11 starting places for Madrid’s quarter-final, and that Varane and Fabio Coentrao will return to the starting XI after respective injury ailments.
Both are included in a 19-man squad named for Wednesday’s Champions League first leg match.
Goalkeeper Casillas was thought to be in contention for inclusion in today’s squad, but he has again been left out, as was the case at the weekend, with Diego Lopez set to keep goal.
Real Madrid squad to face Galatasaray: Diego Lopez, Adan, Jesus, Arbeloa, Varane, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Coentrao, Marcelo, Essien, Khedira, Xabi Alonso, Modric, Ozil, Kaka, Di Maria, Cristiano Ronaldo, Higuain, Benzema
Meanwhile, Sami Khedira and Xabi Alonso are expected to take midfield duty, with Angel Di Maria, Mesut Ozil and Cristiano Ronaldo complementing the attack.
However, in the final line, Mourinho is seen as unsure between forwards Gonzalo Higuain and Karim Benzema.
The Frenchman was seen as in contention, having been benched for the weekend trip to Real Zaragoza, but his recent performances with his national team, combined with Higuain’s improved form in contrast, reportedly has Mourinho in doubt.
Probable Real Madrid XI to face Galatasaray: Diego Lopez; Arbeloa, Ramos, Varane, Coentrao; Alonso, Khedira; Di Maria, Ozil, Ronaldo; Higuain