Marcello set for real bow

Marcelo could make his first appearance for Real Madrid in Friday night’s friendly against Atletico Madrid.

Full-back Marcelo, who joined Real on a five-and-a-half year contract from Fluminense last month, looks set to feature after being named in a 22-man squad for the second annual ’Jesus Gil y Gil Memorial Match’ at the Vicente Calderon.

The 18-year-old Brazilian will not line up alongside any of his compatriots though, with Roberto Carlos, Emerson, Robinho and Ronaldo all being allowed to leave early for their winter breaks, while Cicinho is still sidelined through injury.

Also missing from the Real squad are Antonio Cassano, Mahamadou Diarra, Sergio Ramos and Ruud van Nistelrooy, but coach Fabio Capello has still named a handful of senior players for the game as Real look to salvage some pride following their embarrassing 3-0 home defeat to Recreativo Huelva on Wednesday.

Among those who have been included are Fabio Cannavaro, Raul, David Beckham, Michel Salgado and Iker Casillas, with reserve-team players and youngsters making up the bulk of the squad.