Alaba and Bale left out of Real Madrid squad vs Rayo Vallecano

David Alaba didn't take part in Friday morning's training session at Valdebebas ahead of Real Madrid's match away at Rayo Vallecano on Saturday evening.

The centre-back is suffering from a thigh problem, and although it's nothing serious both the player and club staff have decided it's better to rest him rather than take any risks.

It was thought that Alaba would be the only player unavailable for the game, but Gareth Bale will also miss out, despite training with his teammates on Friday.

Real Madrid don't want to suffer any setbacks with their players, especially with the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie coming up against Paris Saint-Germain on March 9.

Carlo Ancelotti has time to prepare properly for the PSG game, with no midweek matches to contend with before the visit of Pochettino's side.

In addition to Saturday's short trip to Vallecas, Real Madrid also don't have to travel on Saturday, March 5, as they host Real Sociedad at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, meaning Los Blancos should be fresh for their massive European fixture.

Real Madrid squad vs Rayo Vallecano

Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois, Andriy Lunin, Luis Lopez.

Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Jesus Vallejo, Nacho Fernandez, Marcelo, Lucas Vazquez, Ferland Mendy.

Midfielders: Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Casemiro, Fede Valverde, Dani Ceballos, Isco, Eduardo Camavinga.

Forwards: Eden Hazard, Karim Benzema, Marco Asensio, Luka Jovic, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes, Mariano Diaz.