Cristiano Ronaldo is likely to make Real Madrid’s home clash with Valencia today, after pulling out of Spain/Portugal’s bid presentation for the 2018 World Cup finals to focus on recovery from a bruised right ankle.
Gonzalo Higuain’s back injury means French striker Karim Benzema will get another chance to improve on his one La Liga goal so far this season.
Spain duo Raul Albiol and Alvaro Arbeloa will probably step in for suspended defenders Sergio Ramos and Ricardo Carvalho.
Valencia will probably have to use third-choice goalkeeper Vicente Guaita, with Cesar and Miguel Angel Moya struggling with injuries.
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi missed Barcelona training on Thursday with a bruised left ankle, but is expected to be fit for today’s trip to play Osasuna, who have yet to lose a home game this season.
“They are very tough and they never stop running, but we aren’t worried about their physical approach. It’ll be a great game,” Barca forward Jeffren told reporters.
Sevilla lost their third game in a row when they went down 4-2 at Paris St-Germain in the Europa League and they will need to improve at the back tomorrow against third-placed Villarreal, who are unbeaten at the Madrigal.
“We have made mistakes in three consecutive games now, but we have quality in the side. Everyone was happy with the defense a few weeks ago and they remain good players,” striker Frederic Kanoute told reporters.
Atletico Madrid travel to promoted Levante today looking for a lift after consecutive home defeats, the most recent to Aris Salonika that left them on the brink of elimination from the Europa League.
Promoted Real Sociedad are relishing the visit of near neighbors Athletic Bilbao tomorrow and the first Basque derby in four years has already sold out their 32,000 seat Anoeta stadium.
“It’s the best game of the year,” La Real striker Joseba Llorente told reporters. “We’re in good form. We’ll go for them and will be snapping at their heels.”
La Liga’s bottom two meet when Real Zaragoza visit Almeria tomorrow. Zaragoza’s new coach Javier Aguirre takes on Almeria’s new boss Jose Luis Oltra in a battle between a side without an away win, and hosts who have yet to win at home.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely