Marcelo Says He Is 'Almost at 100%' Fitness Following Recent Calf Injury Layoff

Marcelo could give Real Madrid a much-needed boost, as he is nearly back to full fitness following his recent layoff. 

The Brazil international, who has a calf problem, has not been in action for Los Blancos since their 3-0 loss to Sevilla on September 26, and the team have struggled for balance without him in the side.

Speaking to AS (h/t Peter Hanson of Goal), the 30-year-old doesn't think a return to action is too far away.

"I feel fine," he said. "I'm almost at 100 per cent. I'm training well. It's the second day I trained with the ball, but I'm happy with my progress. The international break is good for me to be at the top for the next game."

Marcelo was forced to withdraw from the Brazil squad with his injury. It appears he is hopeful of being involved in the Madrid squad for the crucial clash against Levante on October 20, though.

A week on from that, the European champions travel to bitter rivals Barcelona. According to Marco Ruiz of AS, that match represents the "point of no return" for under-pressure manager Julen Lopetegui.

After a bright start to the season, Madrid have struggled in recent weeks, with the loss to Alaves on Saturday the latest setback for the team.

The worry for Lopetegui will be that despite possessing so much firepower in this squad, the team appears toothless in front of goal:

Marcelo was absent for the losses to Alaves and CSKA Moscow, as well as the 0-0 draw with Atletico Madrid. While he lines up as a left-back, his presence should help enliven a starting XI that's been short of ideas going forward.

Lopetegui has twice called on natural centre-back Nacho to step in at left-back for Marcelo, while against Moscow, the 21-year-old Sergio Reguilon was handed his debut.

Neither is capable of producing what Marcelo does; the Brazilian has been one of the best full-backs in the world over the course of the past decade, playing a crucial role in the four UEFA Champions League successes the team has enjoyed in the past five years.

Ahead of the most recent triumph in May, Squawka noted just how important he has been:

Marcelo brings quality, leadership and a big-game mentality. While Los Blancos do have depth in most areas of their squad, recent matches have shown there is a huge drop off in quality between Marcelo and his understudies when it comes to the left-back berth.