Kroos and Mendy: good and bad news for match against Chelsea

Most of Real Madrid's hopes for the La Liga title disappeared following a 0-0 draw against Betis in the Alfredo di Stéfano stadium. 'Los Blancos' appeared rather dense in attack and the absence of their creative man Toni Kroos was definitely noticeable.

The German, who picked up a knock during the Champions League match against Liverpool, was reserved by Zinedine Zidane against Betis, who didn't want to risk the ex-Bayern man just days before the European clash against Chelsea.

As 'AS' reports, the central midfielder was rested in the La Liga match. His absence was more out of precaution, given that the four-time European champion has had to overcome muscular issues that were mainly caused by the overload of games during the season.

Provided there are no setbacks, Kross should be fit to start for Real against Chelsea in the Alfredo Di Stéfano, which will be one less head-ache for Zidane looking ahead to the match.

That being said, the French manager will have to think hard about the left back position, as it appears that Ferland Mendy looks unlikely to reach full fitness before the big match.

If the ex-Lyon player is out, Zidane's most logical option would be Nacho at full-back, although Marcelo can't be discounted as an option given that he has performed in recent matches.