Marcelo Yellow Card Appeal Rejected, Real Madrid Star out of Derby vs. Atletico

Real Madrid's defence will go into the La Liga derby against city rivals Atletico Madrid on Saturday severely short-handed, as full-back Marcelo's yellow card appeal was rejected on Friday.

The Spanish Sports Administrative Court (TAD) decided to uphold the Brazil international's suspension after the booking he received against Sevilla, per AS:

"

The eight-member panel convened on Friday to study Real's appeal and upheld the earlier decision of the Spanish Football Federation (FEF)'s disciplinary committee not to revoke the caution Marcelo received on Wednesday, which was his fifth yellow of the season and thus incurred a one-match suspension.

Real Madrid submitted video evidence of the incident that led to the match referee cautioning the defender, who claimed he had made no contact with Sevilla midfielder Vitolo. 

"

Spanish football blogger Sergi Dominguez shared the options available to manager Carlo Ancelotti to replace the Brazilian, with Portuguese full-back Fabio Coentrao the likely starter:

Marcelo becomes the second high-profile member of Los Blancos' defence to miss out on the derby due to the match against Sevilla, as star centre-back Sergio Ramos tore his hamstring within the opening 10 minutes, per Squawka Football:

Regular central partner Pepe is also still recovering from an injury, meaning Los Blancos will have to turn to the duo of Raphael Varane and Nacho.

Real have the depth to deal with a minor injury crisis like this, but going up against the defending La Liga champions, Ancelotti would much rather field his strongest starting XI instead of having to call on back-ups or fringe starters.

Cristiano Ronaldo will make his return to the squad following a two-match suspension, however, and given the multitude of injuries Real currently have along the back four, Ancelotti may just decide attack is the best defence against Atletico.

Follow @ReverschPass