Real Madrid train without Nacho, Valverde and Isco

Real Madrid started their third week of training on Monday, and whilst the physical demands on the players are increasing, Zinedine Zidane was forced to work without Nacho Fernandez, Fede Valverde and Isco.

Wednesday's session was mainly physical work and in the absence of the aforementioned players, Reinier Jesus and Miguel Gutierrez were called up from the club's youth system.

Valverde and Nacho were both left out as a precaution after two and a half weeks of what has essentially been pre-season work for Los Blancos' senior squad.

The session began with a minute's silence in memory of the victims of COVID-19, with Zidane later dividing his players into two groups of 14, who then completed sessions with Gregory Dupont, the club's fitness coach.

Mariano Diaz was one positive to come out of Wednesday's session, with the former Lyon goalscorer moving forward in his recovery programme as he touched the ball for the first time since Los Blancos returned to Valdebebas.