Both Toni Kroos and Luka Modric have achieved success with Real Madrid, but neither is assured of starting the Clasico on Wednesday.
Toni Kroos and Luka Modric were described by Carlo Ancelotti as "untouchable" at Real Madrid, but he did not guarantee that either midfielder would start against Barcelona.
Madrid travels to Camp Nou on Wednesday for the second leg of a Copa del Rey semifinal matchup in which they are behind 1-0 thanks to an own goal by Eder Militao in the first meeting from a month ago.
Both Kroos, 33, and Modric, 37, started the game; however, they were both replaced late in the second half.
Modric was not used as a substitute when Madrid defeated Real Valladolid 6-0 on Sunday, but Kroos played the entire match.
That would indicate that Ancelotti was defending the latter ahead of the third Clasico, which will take place in a month, but Madrid's manager insisted that neither of his senior midfielders are assured to start.
According to Ancelotti, "Kroos and Modric are invincible, but that doesn't guarantee they'll play tomorrow."
There are a lot of untouchables, but you only get to pick eleven. I have to consider the tools I have at my disposal.
"Being effective [in the game] is more significant than just getting started,"
Madrid is aiming to build for the future with Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga, who has been a reliable starter since the season resumed after the World Cup, while Kroos and Modric reach the end of their careers.
If we talk about energy, it's clear that in these games it's important. That's what Ancelotti said when asked about the value of the physicality and athleticism that the France duo can offer.
"A strong beginning from above can also benefit you."
Yet he said that "the expertise of veterans can be crucial," noting that "there's a lot of pressure in these games."
Kroos and Modric's futures may be in doubt if Madrid is one of the clubs reportedly pursuing Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham.
Although extensions are reportedly on the table, they are both nearing the last few months of their contracts.
"Every day I see the guys, and they are all very attentive. It is conceivable that when a contract expires, they could be impacted, "added Ancelotti.
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