La Liga News: The search for Pepes replacement

Whilst the news that Real Madrid defender Pepe will miss the rest of the season is tragic, the rumour that they will be looking to replace him with a full-back is mystifying. Or at least at first sight. The theory is that Madrid are well-covered in the centre of defence through Garay, Albiol, Metzelder and Sergio Ramos (accident waiting to happen), with Arbeloa on the right and Marcelo to be asked to retreat to left-back. The Brazilian has worked wonders upfield, always offering a threat with his pace and trickery (second goal against Valencia was all his work), but whilst there are worries about his tactical nous at the back, the Madrid hierarchy are prepared to take the risk. But even so, Sergio Ramos and Marcelo in the same back four without big Pepe? Iker Casillas will be a busy man.

BARCELONA LANDED IN ABU DHABI late last night, with both Leo Messi and Seydou Keita doubts for their World Club Cup semi-final match against Atlante of Mexico. Guardiola will be looking to lead his team into a likely final against Estudiantes of Argentina, but the Mexicans won't be a push-over, with their 32 year-old goalie Federico 'The Boss' Vilar every bit a legend in South America, after leading his team to CONCACAF Champions League glory. Meanwhile, back home the debate is still rife about THAT penalty. Espanyol defender Baena has come out and denied that he admitted dragging back Xavi. 'Why would I? I never touched him'. The truth is he did 'touch' him, but if they give a penalty for every similar action in the future, there'll be twenty a match.

STRIKER ALEJANDRO 'CHORI' DOMINGUEZ, recently voted as Russias Player of the Year for 2008/2009, has put pen to paper on a three-year deal with Valencia after arriving on a free transfer. The Argentinian was a hit in Rubin Kazan and former club Zenith St Petersburg, where he formed a formidable partnership with Arshavin which lead the club to UEFA Cup glory in 2008. Are Valencia preparing for life after David Villa? Or is it just the beginning of the end for back-up strikers Zigic and Miku?