It seems that Cheryshev is jinxed. In this Saturday's last training session, the Russian player broke the fifth metatarsal bone of his right foot. As yet, how long he will be out for is unknown, as more tests and consultation by the Real Madrid medical services are needed.

The good news is that Nico Pareja and Mbia are back. The Cameroonian is match-fit after being out for two months. The player on loan from Queen's Park Rangers came off with a sprained ankle that turned nasty when a Baker's cyst appeared. It was subsequently drained although "afterwards, the cyst recurred on 26th accompanied by problems to the patellar". Mbia was then subject to very careful therapy and after a week's training he has been declared ready to play.

Nico Pareja, meanwhile, had been laid low with a virus which had him sidelined for the game against Real Sociedad. He has recovered just in time for the game against Valladolid. The illness had left the player weak, but he is now back on from and raring to go. The manager has his hoped in the Argentine and might even have him as a starter. This is even more probable if we consider that he has lost Carriço for the next two or three weeks.

After the game in Almería, Emery also has at his disposal Fazio and Alberto Moreno after being suspended. The manager has also called up youth academy player Carlos Fernández to join in his team's attack.