Real Madrid will be without in-form talisman Cristiano Ronaldo as they look to continue their recent winning streak against Espanyol on Tuesday night. Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane spoke on Monday about the need for Ronaldo to rest from "time to time" and the Portugal international was absent from a 19-man travelling squad announced on Tuesday morning. Ronaldo, who also sat out last Wednesday's 3-1 win at Leganes, has scored 12 goals in his last seven appearances to help Madrid get their season back on track following a poor run. Zidane said at his pre-match press conference on Monday: "Cristiano knows himself very well and we always talk to him. Madrid midfielder Casemiro, meanwhile, has been ruled out of the trip to Espanyol with stomach problems.

Source: Sky sports February 27, 2018 12:00 UTC