Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos will return for his side's match at home to Copa del Rey finalists Valencia on Sunday after completing a two-match suspension.

Real have a comfortable seven-point lead over arch-rivals Barcelona at the top of the table despite losing three of their last five league matches.

Barcelona will be without centre-back Gabriel Milito for their league match at home to Valladolid on Sunday following the Argentine international's sending off during last week's 2-2 draw at Almeria.

However, midfielder Andres Iniesta will be available after the Spanish FA's Appeals Committee decided to overturn his booking.

Barca have taken just one point from their last three league games and are now only two clear of third-placed Villarreal in the standings.

Injured defenders Ivica Dragutinovic and Julien Escude face a race against time to be available for Sevilla's match at home to Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

Sevilla said that France international Escude had more of a chance of playing that Serbia defender Dragutinovic.

Atletico have left out winger Jose Antonio Reyes, but Greece defender Giourkas Seitaridis is in the squad after four months out with an Achilles injury.

Atletico are expecting a tense encounter in their fourth-fifth place showdown against Sevilla at the Sanchez Pizjuan.

"They are direct rivals and it will be a special game," Argentina forward Maxi Rodriguez told AS. "There is a lot at stake for both teams and games between us are always hot-tempered affairs.

"A victory would come as a major boost to us in the final stretch of the championship and with six or seven more wins we should be able to make the Champions League."

Espanyol striker Raul Tamudo is hoping to return to the starting line-up for Sunday's match at relegation-threatened Real Murcia after a three-match ban following his sending off in the 2-1 defeat at Real Madrid.

Athletic Bilbao's Daniel Aranzubia is expected to take Armando's place for Sunday's match at home to Getafe after the first choice goalkeeper was cut on the face when he was hit by a bottle thrown from the crowd during last weekend's match at Real Betis.

"I'm ready and keen to step in," Aranzubia was told AS.

"It's an opportunity for me and I have to make the most of it."

Reuters / Eurosport