Real Madrid Nacho will deputise

Defender yet to lose all season

All week, Real Madrid have taken to the Valdebebas training pitches in the hope of having Pepe back among the first-team, although the defender is still yet to be fit enough to join a full session.

Thursday saw the Portuguese international again work alone with the clock ticking on Los Merengues' match against Athletic Club on Saturday afternoon.

Therefore, Nacho Fernandez is set to partner Sergio Ramos in central defence at San Mames given Raphael Varane's absence from the fixture.