Real Madrid is once again on alert over the FIFA Virus, and at the club they are especially bothered about players involved in World Cup qualifying play-offs. This affects six players: Portuguese trio Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe and Coentrao, French duo Benzema and Varane, and Modric, playing for Croatia. The other internationals are involved in friendly matches, but the Madrid club knows full well that these six players will not be taking it easy like the rest, but will be going flat out to get a place at the World Cup finals.
So this week is certainly not going to be a relaxing one for the six players; far from it. The only one without a guaranteed place in his country's starting eleven is Karim Benzema, who was replaced in France's last two matches by Giroud. However the Madrid forward is staking his claim just the same, with lots of assists and goals.
The most difficult hurdle
As for the Portuguese players, Coentrao is returning after injury; he twisted his ankle at Vallecas last weekend and has been out of contention. In fact Valdebebas this week has been a veritable convalescent centre for the internationals, and especially so in his case as he did not play for Real this weekend and should be ready for Portugal's match.
As for the Portuguese players, Coentrao is returning after injury; he twisted his ankle at Vallecas last weekend and has been out of contention. In fact Valdebebas this week has been a veritable convalescent centre for the internationals, and especially so in his case as he did not play for Real this weekend and should be ready for Portugal's match.
The Portuguese trio look likely to have the most difficulty in getting to the World Cup in Brazil. They face Ibrahimovic's Sweden at home in the first leg. The French face Ukraine away, and it is Modric who has it the easiest in the short term, Croatia being at home to Iceland.
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