Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti could be without centre-backs Sergio Ramos and Pepe for Tuesday night’s home La Liga clash with Elche.

Spain star Ramos is struggling with a foot problem while Portugal international Pepe has a hamstring injury and so both are considered doubts for the game.

However, Ancelotti has revealed star man Cristiano Ronaldo will play against 13th-place Elche despite the fact Real must play four games in the space of 12 days.

The Italian boss said: “Cristiano doesn’t need a rest, we need him because he’s at his best.”

Ronaldo, 29, blasted a hat-trick at the weekend as Real demolished Deportivo La Coruna 8-2 which was the former Manchester United man’s 20th three-goal haul in La Liga.

Real’s big win at the Riazor on Saturday was a timely boost for the side following defeats to Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid in the league.

However, Ancelotti insists there is still work to be done if Real are to challenge for their first La Liga crown since 2011-12.

The former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain boss added: “The result against Deportivo was very good but it could be misleading because we still have to improve certain aspects of our game.

“We have to improve in defence but I think we are in better shape than this time last year.”

Real Madrid are 1.07 to beat Elche in the match betting with the visitors 31.17. The draw is 12.00.