Espanyol-Real Madrid: Ronaldo rested, Casemiro a late pull-out
Zinedine Zidane has again left Cristiano Ronaldo out of his squad as Real Madrid visit Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium in LaLiga week 26.
Zinedine Zidane has again opted to rest Cristiano Ronaldo as Real Madrid prepare to take on Espanyol in LaLiga this evening (20:00 CET), while Casemiro has been ruled out of the clash with stomach problems.
Ronaldo also rested against Leganés last week
The Portuguese striker is given the night off for the second time in a week, having also sat out last Wednesday's victory over Leganés.
Casemiro unable to travel due to stomach issues
Casemiro was initally named in Zidane's 19-man squad, only for Real to announce shortly afterwards that the midfielder is unable to travel to Barcelona. His place is taken by Castilla's Óscar Rodríguez.
Asensio, Ramos both back in Real Madrid squad
Meanwhile, Marco Asensio returns after missing Saturday's thumping of Alavés with wisdom-tooth trouble, while Sergio Ramos is back from suspension.
After being drafted into the senior squad at the weekend, Castilla defender Álvaro Tejero drops back out of contention.
Vallejo, Marcelo, Kroos and Modric injured
Jesús Vallejo, Marcelo, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric all remain out injured.
Real Madrid squad to face Espanyol:
Goalkeepers: Navas, Casilla, Luca.
Defenders: Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Nacho, Theo, Achraf.
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Midfielders: M. Llorente, Asensio, Isco, Kovacic, Ceballos, Óscar.
Forwards: Benzema, Bale, Lucas Vázquez, Mayoral.