BUT ONLY IF SIGNED FROM SPANISH CLUB OR FREE AGENT

Real can move now for Khedira replacement

Real Madrid could sign a player any time it likes to cover the vacant spot left by the long-term injury to Sami Khedira. The fourth point on circular number 6 from the Spanish FA explains this clearly: "Outside of the two official transfer windows, licences can be granted when a player is unable to play through illness or injury, if this period that the player is inactive for reaches five months".

This means that Real, if it so decides, can make a request to the national sports association responsible for administering the 'Primera División' (the LFP), including the relevant medical documentation so that it can be evaluated and examined by the league's formal Medical Commission. This season, only Osasuna has made such a request so far, following injury to Sisi.

If 'Los Blancos' decide to sign a player then they have two options. If they were to bring someone in immediately, they would only be able to sign someone playing in the Spanish league or someone without a contract. They would not be able to bring in someone from a foreign club, because the markets are closed. This provision is also included in the same statement, circular number 6 from Spain's FA: "[Purchasing a player is possible] only when the replacement player does not require the certificate to be issued for an international transfer".

The second option would be to wait until the winter transfer market is open, from 2nd to 31st January. In this case, 'Los Blancos' would be able to shop on the international markets, and the player brought in would be able to be registered for the Champions League, but only if this replacement player had not played in the Champions League for their original team this season.

AFTER PORTUGAL'S 1-0 WIN OVER SWEDEN

Cristiano: "I'm positive; we'll be at the World Cup"

11/16/2013

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Cristiano Ronaldo voiced his confidence about Portugal's chances of getting through the play-offs, in spite of the margin of victory in the first leg against Sweden (1-0) being so small. "I am a positive person, just like my teammates in the Portugal side, and I do think we'll be at the World Cup", he stressed.

Talking to the media after the game, Ronaldo was accompanied by his three-year-old son, and admitted that the clash against Sweden had been "complicated" and that the advantage gained is "minimal". So he went on to stress the importance of getting a goal in the return leg, for then the Swedes would need to score three.

Speaking of his private duel with Ibrahimovich, who had a muted game, Ronaldo insisted that it was not "a war between individuals" but a confrontation between two international sides. "It is going to be key to score a goal there, and we have a difficult job ahead of us, but I think we can get a result", he said.

CR7 did not answer questions about whether he will be going to the Ballon d'Or presentation ceremony. "I am concentrating on Portugal and getting through the play-off; and then I'll talk after that", he said, thus refusing to confirm or deny reports published in Portugal about him not going to the ceremony as a mark of protest.

Ronaldo was not able to train normally last Monday and Tuesday because of a slight injury, and he admitted that his foot is still a little bit sore, though he did not make very much of this. "I played, and I had to struggle a little bit, but I don't feel too bad", he stated.

€20,548 A DAY FOR KHEDIRA FROM 14TH DECEMBER

FIFA to indemnify Real Madrid

RUBÉN JIMÉNEZ · MADRID 11/17/2013

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Although the exact time he will take to recover is obviously not known, and will depend on how he progresses, and on certain deadlines set by Sami Khedira and the Real Madrid doctors, it is highly unlikely that the midfielder will be playing again before the end of the season.

During the time that Real Madrid has to make do without Khedira, who picked up a serious knee injury playing for Germany against Italy on Friday, the club will receive financial compensation. Starting on the 29th day of a footballer's injury, FIFA is obliged to pay €20,548 per day in compensation, as ordained by the Club Protection Programme to which Real Madrid belongs.

This sum will be payable from the 29th day of the injury, which in this particular case will be 14th December, and will come to an end when the player is signed off by the doctors.

Last year Real Madrid received a total of €1,150,688 for Marcelo's injury when he was with Brazil. He was out for 84 days, of which 56 were paid at €20,548.

This time the sum will be more than double that, as Khedira will be out for a much longer period than Marcelo. This will, however, be scant compensation for Ancelotti, who would much rather not lose one of his favourite players, who has become a regular member of the first team.

AFTER UGLY CHALLENGE FROM EQUATOGUINEAN PLAYER

Xabi Alonso limps off during 'La Roja' comeback

11/16/2013

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Xabi Alonso's return to the Spain set-up was cut short at the Nuevo Estadio de Malabo. The Spanish midfielder was on the receiving end of a tough tackle from Fijdeu before the break and immediately signalled to come off.

The Real Madrid midfielder limped off shortly before the interval and could be seen grimacing at the pain from his left ankle.

It was a cruel ending to what had looked like being a triumphant occasion for Alonso, who was making his comeback in a Spain shirt after eight months out injured. The midfielder was handed a start by Vicente del Bosque in Malabo.

WELSH PLAYER HAPPY AT REAL MADRID AND WITH TEAMMATE CRISTIANO

Bale: "It's great when you play with the best player in the world"

11/15/2013

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In an interview for the Welsh Federation website, Gareth Bale made it clear he is very happy at Real Madrid : "It was a little bit of a slow start, obviously not having a pre-season and then getting a few niggly injuries.. everybody at the club has been very helpful, the players have been great with me."

The former Spurs winger claims that "when you play with Cristiano, the best player in the world, it does make life easier. To be playing with him and the rest of the team is massive for me and I'm enjoying every minute of it." The Welshman said he is very happy in the Spanish capital: "It's amazing to be there, the stadium, the fans, it's just incredible. I just want to keep playing and hopefully win trophies at the end of the season."

Bale though, still has to get to grips with the language: "My Spanish? It's coming along, I'm learning slowly. I think the main thing is to get my head down to my football first and then all the rest will come after. I've learned a few words, but it will take a bit of time." He also said that "Everyone's coming over to see the games and for the nicer weather."

Last but not least, he talked about his national team "it always great to come back and play for Wales and see all the boys. It's an honour to play for my country. Every footballer's dream is to play for your country, there is no bigger honour. Every time I pull on the shirt I'm always willing to give 110%. We're heading in the right direction now and we're starting to see some results, which is positive. Hopefully we can get a lot of support behind us now all the fans and the media believe in us and will push us in the right direction."

CANDIDATE FOR THE SPOT LEFT VACANT BY KHEDIRA

Casemiro even trains on his days off

Casemiro never gives up. The Brazilian hopes to convince Carlo Ancelotti that he's the perfect man to cover for the injured Khedira in midfield.

Although he's only played 80 minutes so far this season, Casemiro hasn't lost his smile or his hope, and day after day he trains hard at Valdebebas to try and get a spot, first in the matchday squad, then in the team.

He is so motivated that he even trains on his days off. Casemiro is officially off until Monday, but he turned up to the training ground yesterday to put in a shift.

After shining during pre-season, Casemiro seems to have become a forgotten man, and it's difficult to understand why.

Yesterday, the Brazilian sent a message of support to Khedira: "All the luck in the world, Sami! Real Madrid and the World Cup are waiting for you! We're here for you!!! #ChinUpKhedira", he wrote.

EX-CAPTAIN HAS NO DOUBTS

Hierro: "Right now, Cristiano is the best in the world"

11/14/2013

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Fernando Hierro has said that Cristiano Ronaldo should win the next Ballon d'Or, and has called him "the best player in the world".

"Right now, Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in the world and it's a pleasure to have him at Real Madrid, to enjoy watching him play every week, or every three days. For his performances, for everything he contributes: if I had the responsibility of voting I know for a certainty that I would vote for Cristiano Ronaldo", he said.

"He is a regal player, who performs at an extraordinary level, a player who plays ninety-five per cent of his games to an astonishing standard. Without a shadow of a doubt he should be the clear winner of the Ballon d'Or", he added following the inaugural 'Game against Diabetes' - a game he was involved in along with other Real Madrid veterans.

He also referred to recent comments from Ribéry, who touted himself as the ideal candidate for the prize: "Everyone has their opinion. The five finalists will all want to take it home, but personally, with all due respect to Ribéry and Messi, if I had to choose anyone I would pick Cristiano. He's been the best during this footballing year".

When asked about Isco, Hierro said: "He's young. He signed for five years. He started fantastically and the coach has decided not to start him in the last two or three games. He's young, has immense potential and is already a quality player with extraordinary talent".