Atletico Madrid defender Stefan Savic will miss Saturday's derby away at Real Madrid due to a calf injury.

"After undergoing scans... the central defender has suffered a grade II muscle injury in his right calf," Atletico said in a statement on Thursday.

Savic was surprisingly chosen ahead of Jose Maria Gimenez for Atletico's 0-0 draw away to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League on Wednesday with the Uruguayan now set to return alongside Diego Godin in central defence.

Atletico and Real trail La Liga leaders Barcelona by eight and nine points respectively with defeat for either side almost certain to end any realistic title hopes.