Without Sami Khedira and coming off a Champions League defeat Real Madrid could be in for a rough ride at Real Mallorca.
Real's 2-1 loss to Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday was doubly disappointing, as not only did they lose the initiative in Champions League Group D but they lost one of their most influential players.
Khedira inflamed a thigh injury in his native country and will now be out for up to two weeks.
Los Blancos' form has generally been much improved in La Liga of late, but with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid eight points ahead, a slip up isn't worth contemplating.
Mallorca are coming off three straight defeats and a slew of long term injuries haven't helped, but their performance in Monday's loss at Sevilla was encouraging. New men Andreu Fontas and Giovani dos Santos did enough on their debuts to suggest they can compensate for those injured.
“We will face a very difficult opponent who will come with more motivation and desire after losing to Dortmund,” says Barcelona loanee Fontas. “It's a special game for me because of my Barca connection.”
Kick off: Sunday October 28, 8.30 (BST)
