Rate it!

0 votes

Shunsuke Nakamura is a doubt for Espanyol ahead of their match away to Deportivo Coruna on Saturday.

The Japan midfielder is struggling with a lingering left ankle injury picked up while on international duty last week.

Atletico Madrid need a victory at champions Bareclona on Saturday to get their season up and running, according to Argentina midfielder Maxi Rodriguez.

"If we beat Barca it will give the team a huge boost," he said of a side that has picked up just one point from their opening two fixtures. "We have to lift our heads, believe in ourselves and win."

Barca won the fixture 6-1 last season before losing 4-3 to Atletico in a dramatic match at the Calderon.

The match at the Nou Camp will probably be more open than Wednesday's Champions League goalless draw at Inter Milan given Atletico's poor start to the season, said Barca midfielder Xavi.

"Historically these have always been attractive games with a lot of goals," Xavi said on the club's website. "They are in an unexpected situation so I imagine a more open match."

Real Madrid defender Pepe misses the ninth game of his ten-match La Liga ban against Xerez.

The Portuguese was punished after he lost his cool and lashed out at two Getafe players during a match near the end of last season.

Sevilla's Ivory Coast trio Didier Zokora, Arouna Kone and Ndri Romaric missed Thursday's training session because they had to travel to Madrid to sort out visa issues related to the club's Champions League campaign.

The three had to train alone on their return, the Andalucians said on their website.

Promoted Xerez, who play at Real on Sunday, officially presented midfielder Fabian Orellana during the week but the Chile international will not be available to play until September 22, the club said.

Xerez, playing in Spain's top flight for the first time, have applied to the Spanish sports council (CSD) for special clearance for the player, who suffers from asthma, to be able to use the banned stimulant Salbutamol.

Midfielder Angel Lafita has passed a medical with Real Zaragoza but still cannot complete his transfer or play until the club's dispute with Deportivo Coruna over the fee has been resolved.

The league have backed Zaragoza, but Depor are to appeal.

Reuters