Real Madrid could have Marcelo in the squad to play Almeria as the defender targets a return in time for the Copa del Rey final.
The Cup tie against Barcelona takes place on April 16 and Marcelo is expected to be fit to play a part after a hamstring injury.
But his progress has been such that Marca reports he may make a substitute appearance this weekend in order to get some game time before playing Barca.
Marca add that changes to the Madrid XI against Almeria are inevitable as Xabi Alonso is suspended, as is Dani Carvajal.
Nacho is expected to come into the side while Raphael Varane is in line for a start to rest either Pepe or Sergio Ramos before the Copa final.
Casemiro is another possible starter while the six absences in the squad – Jese, Alvaro Arbeloa, Sami Khedira, Cristiano Ronaldo and Alonso and Carvajal – mean Carlo Ancelotti will have to include two youth team players to make up the bench.
