Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui has suggested that Luka Modric and Raphael Varane will remain on the bench for the time being, having joined up late with the rest of the squad during pre-season.
Modric and Varane were both in action in the final of the 2018 World Cup, with the latter's France team beating the former's Croatia side 4-2 at the Luzhniki Stadium.
The pair have been on the bench for both of Madrid's La Liga matches this term, and Lopetegui has said that he is in no rush to select the duo due to the strength of his squad.
"It's also true that Modric and Varane arrived later than their teammates and were more than 20 days behind in terms of preparation," Lopetegui told Movistar.
"However, it's been a very good week of training for them. They'll be integrated into the XI gradually, but there are alternatives and competition, which is a good thing."
Modric and Varane both appeared off the bench in Madrid's 4-1 win over Girona on Sunday night.
Matt Law
