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Mourinho has decided to call up every player on the roster with the exception of Álvaro Arbeloa to play against Espanyol. Even Mesut Özil will be available for Jose Mourinho after he's recovered well from his ankle injury. Jose Mourinho will likely play with a lineup full of rotations though, as Atlético Madrid awaits to play the Copa del Rey Final next Friday.
Real Madrid C's center defender Fran Llorente and Castilla's midfielder Casemiro have also been called up for this game. It would be good to see Casemiro play against Espanyol after such a good debut game at the Bernabéu when Betis visited Real Madrid's stadium.
Brazilian left back Marcelo seems to be ready again, and he could get some minutes to see if he's fit enough to play in the Copa del Rey Final. Espanyol will be looking to win this game after securing their presence in the 2013-2014 Liga BBVA. Mexican coach Javier Aguirre quickly transformed this team after a terrible start of the campaign. He decided to play with a much more defensive lineup to make the team much more solid. That's the way the Periquitos have been earning points to avoid relegation.
Gonzalo Higuaín will probably play as the team's striker after Benzema's recent performances. The French player has been playing brilliantly as of late, so he will probably have the edge in the Final. Sami Khedira didn't play in Real's 6-2 win against Málaga, so he could also feature to gain some momentum prior to the match against Atlético.
Real Madrid's fanbase might not be worried about this match though, as the basketball team has earned a place in the Euroleague (a sort of Champions League) Final. That way, all looks are focused everywhere but in this match.