Real Madrid may have earned a victory this weekend, defeating Huesca 2-1, but Zinedine Zidane has some problems ahead of their next game against Getafe on Tuesday.
Sergio Ramos and Eden Hazard are out for the next several weeks, while Lucas Vazquez, Isco, Fede Valverde, Dani Carvajal and Rodrygo have all had injuries recently too and could only complete partial work on the pitches on Sunday.
Now, Alvaro Odriozola and Eder Militao could both be out injured too.
With Toni Kroos out suspended for the midweek game against Getafe too, this leaves Zidane with only 10 senior outfielders who are definitely available for the match.
In the last three seasons, Marcelo has sat on the substitutes' bench 47 times, slowly but surely losing his spot as a starter at Real Madrid.
However, Saturday's benching at El Alcoraz was the most difficult he's had to face yet.
Real Madrid had just 17 players in the squad against Huesca, with only 14 of them being outfield players and only 12 of those being senior players.
Marcelo was one of only two outfield first-team players to be left on the bench, taking up a spot alongside Mariano Diaz and Andriy Lunin, as well as youngsters Marvin Park, Diego Altube and Victor Chust.
An injury to Alvaro Odriozola meant that the Brazilian came on in the second half, but it's an uncomfortable situation for the vice-captain.
The left-back is doing all he can to keep his place and is working with a personal trainer daily, but Ferland Mendy has become the clear first choice at the club.
With nine appearances this season, only eight from the start, he's missed out on many of the big ties, like against Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Inter and Sevilla.
In LaLiga Santander, Marcelo has played in just three of the last 13 matches.
With so many players ruled out, Including Odriozola and Eder Militao
Marcelo may return against Getafe to play in the midfield, although he’s more of an attacking player and not a midfielder at all, he could be a fit on the left side of Real’s midfield in a pinch with Kroos out.
Antonio Blanco is an option if Zidane trusts the Castilla star. Blanco seems ready to get first-team minutes, and this could be a great opportunity for him.
But Marcelo has the experience and trust advantage. Plus, he would not be stretched as much defensively in the midfield. Like Kroos does, he could simply focus on pressing, creating, and circulating the ball to help Real Madrid retain possession. These are all things the left back does well.