Real Madrid news: Benzema, Hazard, Sergio Ramos, Valverde...
Today's bitesize news features a Sevilla guard of honour, an award for Fede Valverde, updates on the progress of four injured players...
Valverde picks up Mahou award
Fede Valverde has been presented with the 'Mahou Five-Star Player' award as Real Madrid's outstanding performer in December. "I'm happy, it's an individual accolade but the credit goes to the whole team," Valverde said as he collected the trophy.
See also: Atlético Madrid fume at Fede Valverde's one-match ban
Ramos back running with Atleti in his sights
On Wednesday, Sergio Ramos completed a running session under the supervision of Real Madrid's fitness coach, Grégory Dupont, as he bids to overcome an ankle injury suffered in Sunday's Spanish Super Cup final win over Atlético Madrid. Ramos is aiming to return to action in Los Blancos' LaLiga clash with Atlético on 1 February.
Benzema, Hazard also making progress
Three other players who were out doing individual running on the Valdebebas training pitches were Karim Benzema, Eden Hazard and Marco Asensio. Benzema, who sat out the Super Cup with a hamstring strain, also did drills with ball at feet on what was the 15th anniversary of his debut for first club Lyon.
Having missed nearly two months with an ankle fracture, Hazard's sights are - like club captain Ramos - set on a return to action in the Madrid derby, while Asensio took another step forwards in his recuperation from his pre-season anterior cruciate ligament tear, progressing from gym work to outdoor jogging.
Thursday training update: Benzema rejoins group ahead of Sevilla test
Melero the man in the middle in Copa clash
Mario Melero has been appointed as the referee for Real Madrid's Copa del Rey third-round trip to face Unionistas Salamanca on Wednesday (21:00 CET). It will be the first time this season that the 40-year-old has taken charge of a game involving Los Blancos.
Sevilla to give Real guard of honour
Sevilla are to pay tribute to Real Madrid's Super Cup win by giving Los Merengues a guard of honour before the sides' LaLiga clash on Saturday. In doing so, they will be reciprocating the gesture afforded to them by Madrid in May 2006, when Juan Ramón López Caro's side lined up to applaud the Andalusians after their UEFA Cup final win over Middlesbrough.