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All the latest news Liga new ahead of the midweek games as Valencia try and play down the talk of trouble in their camp.

Valencia striker David Villa has played down talks of a rift between himself and coach Unai Emery following criticisms he made of the way the team tried to defend a 2-1 lead against 10-man Sporting Gijon, only to draw 2-2 on Sunday.

"These words were directed at the team as a whole not an individual. I was annoyed at having lost two points, and if we want to challenge the top sides we cannot afford to drop points like this again," the Spain forward said.

Valencia are away to Getafe on Wednesday.

Leaders Real Madrid will be without suspended defender Pepe and injured duo Xabi Alonso and Ruud van Nistelrooy when coach Manuel Pellegrini returns to former club Villarreal on Wednesday.

The hosts could have midfielder Marcos Senna back in contention but Ariel Ibagaza is out. Brazilian striker Nilmar and midfielder David Fuster are doubts.

Barcelona's Argentine defender Gabriel Milito has started training with the ball as he attempts to return from almost 17 months out with a knee injury. Barca visit Racing Santander on Tuesday.

Atletico Madrid are sweating over the fitness of striker Sergio Aguero and winger Simao Sabrosa after both missed training on Monday with muscle complaints.

Abel Resino's side go in search of their first win of the season at home to Almeria on Wednesday.

Real Zaragoza's English winger Jermaine Pennant has called for patience from fans who whistled the side after their last defeat. The promoted club visit Sporting Gijon on Thursday.

"We have a good team but it is a difficult league and we have had injuries. We have a lot of new players and we still need to settle in together," he said.

Espanyol are likely to be without injured trio Raul Tamudo, Ivan de la Pena and Shunsuke Nakamura when they host Malaga on Wednesday.

Deportivo Coruna, who travel to face promoted Xerez on Wednesday, are to take midfielder Angel Lafita to court for unilaterally rescinding his contract, the club said.

Depor are also in an unresolved dispute with Zaragoza over a transfer fee, after Zaragoza activated a buy-back clause to bring Lafita back to the Romareda.

Reuters