Pepe Misses Friendly As Injury Strikes

Real Madrid will be without influential centre-back Pepe for this evening's friendly with LASK Linz...

Jul 27, 2008 5:12:02 PM

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The Portuguese international has developed bruishing in his left leg, causing the Madrid doctors to decide against fielding him against the Austrian side.

More worryingly for Madrid coach Bernd Schuster, the former Porto man did not train with the team on Sunday morning, instead working only in the gym.

Other absentees for this evening's encounter include Fabio Cannavaro, Robinho, Soldado, and Jordi Codina.

The exact lineup is at this juncture unknown, with Madrid taking pains to keep their experimenting a secret. Schuster's second-in-charge, Manolo Ruiz, even stated to the press that the tactics used in training will not reflect those used in matches.

Much of the training in recent days has focused on set-plays, and Schuster will be looking to see goals scored from these this evening.

Steve Michaels, Goal.com