Espanyol head coach Manolo Gonzalez could introduce Carlos Romero into his XI for Saturday's La Liga clash with Real Madrid.

Brian Olivan had to be replaced in the 19th minute of the team's 1-1 draw with Sevilla last time out through injury, and he is a major doubt for this contest, so Romero is likely to start against the reigning champions.

Espanyol will once again be without the services of Salvi Sanchez and Jose Gragera through injury, but aside from Olivan, no fresh problems have been reported this week.

Gonzalez is expected to name the majority of the side that took to the field for the first whistle against Sevilla due to the impressive nature of the performance, including another start in the final third of the field for Roberto Fernandez.

The Spaniard is a new arrival at the club, joining on loan from Braga for the rest of the campaign, and he scored on his debut against Real Valladolid on January 17 before also featuring from the start against Sevilla.

Javi Puado is the team's leading goalscorer this season, finding the back of the net on seven occasions, and there will be another start for the 26-year-old on Saturday night.

Alejo Veliz has four goals this season, but the 21-year-old, who is on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, has only netted once in La Liga this term, and he is expected to be among the substitutes for the first whistle.

Espanyol possible starting lineup: J Garcia; El Hilali, Kumbulla, Cabrera, Romero; Carreras, Kral, Lozano, Tejero; Puado, Fernandez

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