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Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo and Toni Kroos rested vs. Deportivo

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has rested Cristiano Ronaldo and Toni Kroos for Wednesday's trip to Deportivo La Coruna.

Zidane has been rotating his squad through recent weeks amid a busy schedule in La Liga and Champions League, and has stuck to that policy even with Gareth Bale now injured and club captain Sergio Ramos suspended for the game at 16th-placed Depor, who are seven points above the relegation zone.

Ronaldo, 32, was rested for away games at Eibar, Leganes and Sporting Gijon in recent weeks, with Madrid winning all three fixtures, and Zidane explaining that it was important for him to use all his squad and keep his biggest names fresh.

A club statement released on Wednesday morning confirmed that the Portugal captain was again left out, along with Germany midfielder Kroos.

France centre-back Raphael Varane has been included on his return from a troublesome hamstring complaint and Castilla full-back Alvaro Tejero is also called up to the senior ranks.

Following their dramatic 3-2 Clasico defeat last weekend, Madrid go into the midweek round of games level on points with Barcelona at the top of the table. The Catalans have the head-to-head- advantage, but the Bernabeu outfit have a game more left to play.

Barca host bottom team Osasuna early on Wednesday evening, with Madrid kicking off soon after the game at the Camp Nou ends.

Ronaldo and Kroos will be expected to return when Madrid face Valencia at the Bernabeu on Saturday afternoon, and Zidane is likely to pick his strongest available side for Tuesday's Champions League semifinal first leg at home to neighbours Atletico Madrid.