Vinicius could be a tempting option for Real Madrid against CSKA Moscow

IN REAL HARM’S WAY

Suddenly Real’s reserves are paper-thin. Isco is still recovering from his operation for appendicitis, Sergio Ramos is out with a laceration above his eye while Gareth Bale and Marcelo both have muscle problems.

The Madridista collective breathed a long sigh of relief after scans showed that Bale’s groin is undamaged – he may even be back in training on Thursday – but he’ll be no help against CSKA.

Julen Lopetegui could patch up his first XI in any number of ways. Will he hand Alvaro Odriozola his Champions League debut at left-back? Or will he entrust 20-year-old Jesus Vallejo to partner Sergio Ramos and instead persist with Nacho on the flank in Marcelo’s absence?

As far as Bale is concerned, Lucas Vazquez is the natural and balanced option on the right-hand side of the trident. However, Dani Ceballos did his claims no harm when he produced a vivid display on the left against Atletico from the bench while Marco Asensio swapped to the right.

It may serve Lopetegui not to get too cute in what is sure to be a hostile atmosphere. A Nacho-Ramos pairing and the hard work of Vazquez could be what gets the job done.

V FOR VINICIUS?

Though still very much the favourites in Russia, that three of the four players missing are attacking options spells potential trouble for Real given their recent weakness in front of goal.

Los Blancos have scored one goal in their three outings combined since dispatching Roma so emphatically in their Champions League opener. That seems a long time ago now.

The statistics suggest it’s wasteful finishing more than anything else. That solitary strike came from a jaw-dropping 55 attempts, 14 of which were on target.

In the meantime Karim Benzema has turned from big cat back into kitten and that’s not good news with Bale on the sofa back in Madrid.

There are other options though – Vinicius anyone?

A potentially tricky Champions League away tie is far from the ideal time to rock the boat, but neither would it be surprising if the leading light of Brazil’s next generation receives an extended cameo.

He was the final throw of the dice against Atletico in the 87^th minute and flashed his dribbling skill, though the 18-year-old was also the victim of a hefty challenge from Jose Maria Gimenez.

There is no doubt that the Samba kid needs to fill out – and simply play more senior games at any level –  but if Real are struggling as the second half wears on, expect to see him limber up.

FROM RUSSIA WITH CHALOV

Spain versus Russia. It should be straight forward for the Iberians, but the World Cup reminded us that very often football is not.

In fact the World Cup hosts defeated Spain at Luzhniki Stadium, the same turf that CSKA and Real will be taking to on Tuesday.

Igor Akinfeev is between the sticks, naturalised Russian Mario Fernandes will be at right-back and Alan Dzagoev – who played well despite injury over the summer – is their chief playmaking threat.

It’s worth keeping tabs on 20-year-old Fyodor Chalov, too. He missed the cut for the final World Cup squad but has started the season like a man with something to prove.

Eight goals in seven games, including the strike that sparked the comeback that saw CSKA draw 2-2 away to Plzen in their first UCL game, points towards a bright future.

He has a good burst of pace but is his intelligence, rare for someone of his age, that shines through. A rejigged Real defence should be wary.