Sergio Ramos did not train with his partners

Real Madrid's vice-captain might not be totally recovered from the game against Atlético de Madrid, as he did not take part in this morning's training session in Valdebebas. The Andalusian centerback worked out by himself in the gym instead. For sure, our coach Carlo Ancelotti will be asked in the pre-match press conference about Sergio's condition, as the muscular injury he suffered during the Club World Cup might be still causing him some trouble and seems the most natural cause for his slow recovery.

Therefore, we will likely see some further rotations this weekend in our lineup to face Espanyol. Apparently, Pepe will recover his starting spot and will couple with Varane. Carvajal, who is banned, will miss the game as well, so we will probably see Arbeloa featuring in our right wing once again, although we can't rule out the possibility of seeing Nacho there, given the Spartan's bad performance against Atlético de Madrid last Wednesday.