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Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho ready to field Nuri Sahin against Sporting Gijon in absence of Xabi Alonso
The Spain international is unavailable for selection on Saturday, but the Portuguese coach has confirmed that the former Borussia Dortmund man is ready to play after injury
3 Dec 2011 13:59:00
By Gareth McKnight
Bongarts
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has stated that Nuri Sahin is ready to play in the absence of Xabi Alonso for Saturday's clash with Sporting Gijon.
The former Liverpool midfielder is unavailable for his side's trip to El Molinon through suspension, and Sahin is set to deputise in Saturday's La Liga fixture.
The Portuguese trainer acknowledges that the 30-year-old is a key man for Madrid, but he has faith in the ability of the ex-Borussia Dortmund midfielder.
"Xabi is important, but he is not available and we will play another player who is very good, and of the same template," Mourinho told AS.
"This week we have thought of ways to play without an important man. It is part of the championship."
The Turkey international only recently made his debut for Los Blancos against Osasuna on November 6, after a knee injury frustrated his efforts to break into the first-team. Mourinho, however, is in no doubt that Sahin is fully fit.
"Sahin has been injured, but is now ready to play," he concluded.
Madrid go into the weekend's fixture three points ahead of Pep Guardiola's Barcelona in the Primera Division standings, and have also played a game less.
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The former Liverpool midfielder is unavailable for his side's trip to El Molinon through suspension, and Sahin is set to deputise in Saturday's La Liga fixture.
The Portuguese trainer acknowledges that the 30-year-old is a key man for Madrid, but he has faith in the ability of the ex-Borussia Dortmund midfielder.
"Xabi is important, but he is not available and we will play another player who is very good, and of the same template," Mourinho told AS.
"This week we have thought of ways to play without an important man. It is part of the championship."
The Turkey international only recently made his debut for Los Blancos against Osasuna on November 6, after a knee injury frustrated his efforts to break into the first-team. Mourinho, however, is in no doubt that Sahin is fully fit.
"Sahin has been injured, but is now ready to play," he concluded.
Madrid go into the weekend's fixture three points ahead of Pep Guardiola's Barcelona in the Primera Division standings, and have also played a game less.
Starting last month and continuing every Friday through to January, Goal.com will publish extracts from Graham Hunter's highly-anticipated book, Barca: The Making of the Greatest Team in the World. Check out this week's enthralling extract on how Barcelona's path to greatness all started with Spain's triumph at Euro 2008. Don't miss it!
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| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
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