Marcelo 'involved in bust-up with boss Zidane'

Marcelo has been axed from Real Madrid's squad following an argument with boss Zinedine Zidane over his tactics and team selections, according to a report in Spain.

The Brazilian has found his minutes this season with Ferland Mendy often the preferred left back option.

According to Goal, Marcelo has become 'increasingly frustrated' at Zidane and that frustration boiled over on the eve of Real Madrid's LaLiga match with Granada on Thursday.

With Mendy out for the remainder of the season with a shin injury, Marcelo assumed he would play out the campaign at left back.

But Goal's report details a bust-up with Zidane during Tuesday's training session and the Frenchman elected to leave Marcelo out entirely for the squad to face Granada as a result.

In the absence of Mendy and Marcelo, academy star Miguel Gutierrez is expected to be handed the starting role at left back.

Marcelo, who is 15th on the list of minutes played at Real Madrid this season, is believed to not be alone in his frustrations at Zidane.

The Brazilian has been at Real Madrid since 2007 and has been a mainstay down the left side, making more than 370 appearances.

He is a five-time LaLiga winner and four-time Champions League winner and it is a huge call from Zidane on the eve of a must-win game as part of the title race.

Tensions behind the scenes are said to extend beyond Marcelo, however.

The 33-year-old full-back is reported to be one of a number of squad veterans who are 'frustrated' at Zidane's methods throughout this LaLiga title defence.

Last week Goal reported that there is 'a consensus' in the dressing room that a 'tired' Zidane will leave at the end of the season.

Zidane's side still have an outside shot at the title but must defeat Granada at the Nuevo Estadio de Los Carmenes to keep leaders Atletico Madrid honest with two games remaining.