Ruud Van Nistlerooy will have to wait yet another week to score his 50th goal with Real Madrid. A case of synovitis will put him on the bench in their must-win game on the road against Recreativo. Recre are currently in a dogfight to avoid relegation and will have to fight tooth and nail to help out their cause. The Dutch international was unable to train with his teammates for the past few days and is now in the hands of the training staff.

For Madrid this could not come at a worse time. A loss this coming weekend and a Barcelona win against Atlético will the the blaugrana atop the La Liga standings for the first time this year.

For every bit of bad news there is always a dose of the good. Robinho and Pepe will be in the starting lineup against Recre. Robinho’s return is a sight for sore eyes as his absence completely changed the dynamic of the Merengue attack.