Makeshift defence for the Getafe clash

Fabio Cannavaro, fresh from international duty against Ukraine and being tipped as the hot favourite for European Footballer of the Year, returned to Madrid with a knee injury and is doubtful for the encounter against Getafe on Saturday evening.

Cannavaro's is the latest in a spate of injuries afflicting the Real Madrid defence. The loss of Cicinho, out for 6 months, and Salgado, who picked up a knock in training this week, means youngster Alvaro Mejía is almost guaranteed a starting place as right back. In central defence, in addition to Cannavaro, Sergio Ramos is suspended after his sending off in Real's last game against Atlético. Capello is likely to call up Raúl Bravo, and alongside him he will have to pick one of this season's "rejects": Helguera or Pavón. Of Capello's usual starters, only Roberto Carlos is fully fit and will start on Saturday down his usual left flank.