Real Madrid know that a win against Atetico Madrid on Sunday in the Madrid derby in La Liga is a matter of prestige as well also a guarantee to at least sustain the 7-point lead that they hold at the top of the table. That is why coach Bernd Schuster is so eager to play all his cards and one of those cards has the name Pepe.
Goal.com reports that Pepe has been included in the Madridista squad that will play Atletico in spite of injury concerns. Earlier in the week, it was reported that the Portuguese central defender wouldn’t be available for the derby clash after picking up an injury against Real Mallorca in midweek in a Copa Del Rey tie but now he has been included in the squad.
But do not expect Pepe to start. He could be brought on as a substitute in the second half should Real need some defensive shoring up but playing him from the start would be a footballing suicide since the player isn’t entirely fit.