Real Madrid coach Rafa Benitez says he hopes to have James Rodriguez and Gareth Bale back in action ahead of the crunch clash at Atletico Madrid on Oct. 4.
Bale and James are currently sidelined with calf and thigh muscle issues respectively, while right-back Danilo is out with a knee problem.
Madrid have not officially confirmed whether they would be back for the huge La Liga "derbi" game or for their upcoming international games with Wales, Colombia and Brazil. But Benitez insisted that they would be assessed ahead of Wednesday's Champions League Group A game at Malmo and the following Sunday's trip to the Estadio Vicente Calderon.
"On the issue of injuries I am always cautious," Benitez said. "There can always be a small problem which changes things. They are going well.
"Next week they will join with teammates, we will see then how they are when they turn sharply or sprint. If they are good, it depends on each individual, but some could be back for Wednesday [at Malmo] and others for Atletico."
Centre-back Pepe is also likely to join fellow defender Sergio Ramos in missing Saturday's La Liga fixture at home to Malaga.
"Pepe had a problem at the end of the Athletic game [last Wednesday]," Benitez added. "He is not ruled out yet [for Malaga]. We are weighing up if it is worth taking a risk. Ramos is progressing well, but is not available for tomorrow."
Benitez was also asked whether he considered removing Cristiano Ronaldo early in games as a precaution -- and also if Madrid's data had shown any reason why the Portuguese forward had scored five times in one La Liga fixture but not hit the net in any of his team's other four outings.
"If you understand football, you know the most important player to keep on the pitch is someone who can score goal at any moment," he said. "Ronaldo still the player who shoots most at goal, he is getting chances, it's often down to their goalkeeper doing well.
"Just 20 minutes ago I was talking with Cris about his numbers -- they are very good. He is physically very good, he is training sensationally and you see his numbers from the games. He is in good form, and will score many goals for sure."
Madrid's gritty 2-1 win at Athletic Bilbao in midweek, coupled with Barcelona's shock 4-1 defeat at Celta Vigo, has left Los Blancos top of the early La Liga standings. Although Benitez said he was not too concerned with such minor fluctuations.
"We are doing well, but this is the start, just September," he said. "We must put in a base now so that in March or April, we can be favourites then.
"We must keep working, keep feeling good, so that we reach the end well. Being leaders can help you, or the mood around club can hurt you. We must make sure not to lose concentration or make mistakes. You don't relax now you're on the top, and lose that which got you there."
Benitez also revealed he was currently spending most of his time -- waking and sleeping -- at Madrid's Valdebebas training facility.
"I'm here early and often last to leave," he said. "I live close and my family is in England. I sleep here as it is handier.
"You wake up and can start work immediately. So it's good -- there are facilities here and people to look after you. I am not saying this like anything special. I like it -- I like my work. It's not a problem."