Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric is on course to make his first start since recovering from a knee injury, when Los Blancos face city rivals Atletico in the first Madrid derby of the season.
According to Marca, Real have given Modric and Croatia full blessing following initial controversy when he was called up by the national team before playing any minutes for his club.
However, the 31-year-oldcame through half an hour unscathed against Leganes, and taking part in Croatia's upcoming games against Iceland and Northern Ireland offers the former Tottenham playmaker thechance to build up more match fitness.
Speaking after his second half cameo in the Sunday win over Leganes, Modric told Real Madrid TV, "I'm really glad to be back with the team and to have been able to play 30 minutes. Now I need to keep working and to keep improving physically."
Toni Kroos after seeing Luka Modric coming on. pic.twitter.com/HiDiILm19r
Modric, who recently signed a new long-term contract until 2020, was quick to assuage doubters of any residual problems.
"I want to say thank you for the lovely welcome back, which helped me feel good on the pitch. I think the 30 minutes went well, considering I'd been out for a month, and the best part was that I didn't feel any issues," he said.
Ahead of the derby at Vicente Calderon, Real lead the La Liga standing after eleven games. Zinedine Zidane's team hold a two point advantage over Barcelona and are as many as six ahead of fourth place Atletico, as well as being the only unbeaten side left in the division.
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