Micheal Essien was not named in Real Madrid’s 19-man squad to face Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium on Saturday.
The versatile player has been working in the gym after suffering a muscle strain three weeks ago in the UEFA Champions League.
Essien returned to training early this week but did not train with the ball.
Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho needs a fully fit Essien for Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg against Borussia Dortmund.
The Ghana international has impressed in a makeshift right-back role and he should recover in time in the absence of Alvaro Arbeloa who is suspended.
Real Madrid Squad:
Goalkeepers: Casillas, Adán and Diego López.
Defenders: Varane, Pepe, Carvalho, Marcelo, Albiol and Nacho.
Midfielders: Kaká, Özil, Modric, Callejón, Di MarÃa and Casemiro.
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema, HiguaÃn and Morata.
