Carlo Ancelotti: "Bale Is Not Ready To Play And Jesé Will Take His Spot".

As we could suspect after seeing that Gareth Bale abandoned this morning's training session, Ancelotti confirmed that Bale will not be able to play against Espanyol:

He tried to exercise together with his partners, but he was feeling some disconfort in his left leg and we decided not to take any risks. He will not play tomorrow but he will work hard to be back at the team on Sunday. Jesé will take his place.

The journalists attending the press conference were specially interested on our tactical system and Bale's role in it. Our coach confirmed, once again, that he will keep using the 4-3-3 since it is the best way for the team to be balanced. He also refused the possibility of using the Welshman as a left back, but accepted that he might try to use him at Ronaldo's spot one day.

About the importance of tomorrow's game, Carletto was unequivocal:

We will use our best possible lineup tomorrow to qualify to the semifinals. We will start from a slight advantage, but it will not be easy. Espanyol played really well against Valencia and will try to get back against us.

There were no significative news about tomorrow's lineup other than Jesé's presence on the team. Some of the players are not still at their best condition after Saturday's game against Granada, so the starting eleven are not decided yet.

Our coach was also asked to discuss the team's present status, and he showed himself happy with our performance lately, specially in the last month, where we have won all our games without conceeding any goal. When he was asked about the possibility of accepting to only win the Cup this season, he refused, since we are in a good position at all competitions and so, accepting now that we might only win the Cup would not be logical.

Finally, he also confirmed that Varane is fully recovered and will travel with the team to Bilbao on Sunday, and might enjoy a few minutes.