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With the Champions League semi-final second leg away to Manchester United next Tuesday, coach Frank Rijkaard will probably seek to rest players such as Lionel Messi and Deco, both recently returned from injury.

Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has returned to training with the rest of the squad after ankle surgery but is unlikely to be available for Sunday's match at home to Athletic Bilbao.

The leaders, who could wrap up the title this weekend, will be without Italy centre back Fabio Cannavaro who is suspended.

Levante's players are standing by their strike threat for Sunday's match away to Recreativo Huelva. The players have rejected the latest offer from the cash-strapped club to pay debts owed to the squad.

"We are still open to a solution and are hopeful of one, but without some form of guarantee that they'll pay 100 percent of what we are owed, we won't agree anything," Levante captain Luis Rubiales said.

La Liga's bottom club could be relegated without kicking a ball this weekend.

Villarreal travel to face Real Betis on Sunday looking to secure their hold on second place.

"Barca will be less focused on a league that Real Madrid have all but won," said striker Nihat Kahveci. "We are focused on second place and avoiding having to enter the Champions League through the play-offs."

Fourth-placed Atletico Madrid will need to find a replacement for Simao Sabrosa on the left flank with the Portugal winger out injured.

They visit Copa Del Rey finalists Getafe on Sunday who are deprived of injured Nigeria striker Ikechukwu Uche. Michael Laudrup's side are without a win in nine matches in all competitions.

Valencia's new coach Salvador Gonzalez Voro takes charge for his first match at home to Osasuna on Sunday, with Copa Del Rey winners only two points above the bottom three.

Striker Fernando Morientes is unlikely to feature after being hospitalised with serious stomach pains during the week.

Eurosport