Real Madrid defender Pepe will make return from rib injury Wednesday vs. Schalke

Real Madrid will get a defensive boost heading into Wednesday's Champions League match against Schalke, with manager Carlo Ancelotti confirming that Pepe will return from a rib injury that has kept him out of action for over a month.

The Portuguese center-back has not featured since suffering the injury in the 2-2 Copa del Rey draw against Atletico Madrid on Jan. 15.

“Pepe will play tomorrow," Ancelotti simply said during his pre-match press conference on Tuesday.

With the center-back returning to the fold, Nacho - who has been utilized in lieu of the injured Sergio Ramos of late - will likely return to the bench, with Pepe slotting alongside Raphael Varane.