Pepe back in Madrid squad

Real Madrid have named their 20-man squad for their Champions League last-16 first leg against Schalke on Wednesday.

The headline news is the return of Pepe, who has been deemed fit enough to feature in the travelling party to Gelsenkirchen after recovering from a rib injury, sustained during the 2-1 Copa del Rey defeat to Atletico Madrid last month.

Elsewhere, defensive prospect Derik Osede, along with midfielders Alvaro Medran and Lucas Silva – who has been tipped to make his full Madrid debut against the Royal Blues – are included.

However, there are no such places for Sergio Ramos, Fabio Coentrao and James Rodriguez, all of whom are currently sidelined through injury.

Kick-off at Veltins-Arena is scheduled for 19:45 GMT.

Real Madrid squad in full: Casillas, Navas, Pacheco; Varane, Pepe, Derik, Marcelo, Carvajal, Arbeloa, Nacho; Kroos, Bale, Isco, Illarramendi, Medran, Silva; Ronaldo, Jese, Benzema, Chicharito.