James Rodriguez declared unfit for Madrid Derby, Gareth Bale and Sergio Ramos available for Real

Rafa Benitez’s side is still undefeated in La Liga

Ahead of Sunday’s Madrid derby clash between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid, Colombian star James Rodriguez has been declared to be unavailable for the game, as per the reports on ESPN. Although the midfielder has been ruled out, there’s good news for all the Madridistas as their captain Sergio Ramos and Gareth Bale have been included in the team sheet.

James’ recovery from his thigh injury ahead of schedule had been reported by Marca earlier this week and he was declared fit for the derby. However, the 24-year-old was absent from the team’s final training session before they head to Vicente Calderon to face their rivals.

"The idea was to have him ready as soon as possible [but] he's not fit," Rafa Benitez said in his pre-match conference on Saturday. But Ramos and Bale have been declared fit after recovering from their injuries and both the players have been included in Benitez’s squad.

“Both players have been back in training and have the medical all-clear,” Benitez said. “As for whether they play in the starting lineup, we will make that decision tomorrow.

“I've spoken with both players, and, of course, they are anxious to participate.”

During the summer, the Spanish coach added more quality to his midfield by adding Inter Milan’s Mateo Kovacic. Benitez now has several options in midfield, but he is still considering Toni Kroos over Kovacic in midfield against their rivals.

“I felt Toni played well the other day. From my perspective, I'd say he's physically and tactically in decent shape,” he said. “Another factor is his decision making. The fact that we can have this Toni or Kovacic debate is good for me.”

Gareth Bale and Sergio Ramos could play in El Derbi Madrileño

Benitez looking forward to Madrid derby

The Real Madrid manager grew up in the Spanish capital and has spent his time with Real as a player and coach earlier in his career. Benitez has admitted he was relishing his first clash with Atletico ever since succeeding Carlo Ancelotti at the Bernabeu.

“I'm well aware of what this game means to the city,” he said.

“My first earnings in football were 50 pesetas in a game for Madrid against Atleti, two 25 pesetas coins, more or less 40 cents for the younger crowd.”

Atletico are still top class despite their recent poor form: Benitez

Deigo Simeone and his men have not made the best start to their season, having lost three times in all competitions including their last two games. However, Benitez still believes Atletico is a top side and they’re believed to give a great fight against Los Blancos on Sunday.

“My opinion on Atleti hasn't changed due to their recent results. This is a derby game,” Benitez said.

“They are a team of great quality and it will be difficult. With this backdrop, the message that I'm trying to transmit to my players is that this is no easy match. Look what happened against Malaga.”

Benitez believes his side will take all three points against Atletico and close in the gap with league leaders Villareal.

“We head into this game with the idea of winning,” he said.

“I know that Atletico are a great club and excellent team. We face a well-organised side that will be spurred on by the fact that this is a derby game.”