Private Luka Modric is currently the man in charge of steering the Real Madrid ship. As such, when he is struggling with fitness, every effort is made to save him for the battles ahead. Against Galatasaray midweek, the Croatian midfielder was brought off for Illarramendi in the 71st minute, having picked up a small knock. Fortunately, the tests he underwent on Wednesday came back clear, meaning he will be fit to conduct the 'Los Blancos' orchestra on Sunday.

Modric spent the whole of Wednesday receiving treatment – the players who started in Turkey had been given the day off – and then reported to Valdebebas on Thursday. Before the Champions League opener, the midfielder had played every minute this season and the brief breather he got in Istanbul was just what the doctor ordered. Especially when you consider he also took part in a feisty Serbia-Croatia clash on 6th September, when he sustained another niggle to go with the knock he got against Athletic.

Real Madrid managed to persuade Croatia to release the playmaker from its trip to South Korea, allowing him to return to Valdebebas earlier than expected and be seen to by the physios. Xabi Alonso won't be back for a while, so the Real coaching staff is taking no chances with the Balkan anchorman, who has yet to suffer a major injury since joining 'Los Blancos' a year ago.

What's more, Carlo Ancelotti is delighted with the former Tottenham man, who is now one of the very first names on the team sheet. This leaves Khedira, Illarramendi and Casemiro to vie for the other midfield spot, a position in which Isco and Di María are also comfortable.