Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has confirmed goalkeeper Iker Casillas is not fit to face Manchester United in the Champions League at Old Trafford tomorrow.
The Spain international only returned to training on Thursday after sustaining a broken hand against Valencia on January 23 and, although he travelled with the squad, he will not be considered.
"Everyone is fit and ready to play and be considered, with the exception of Iker Casillas," Mourinho said ahead of the second leg of the last-16 tie.
He added: "We are sorry we had to travel yesterday (because of a baggage handlers strike) because we don't like to wait. The emotion is high and we want to play. Tomorrow the world will stop to watch this tie, which doesn't look like a tie it looks like a final."
The match marks the first return of ex-United forward Cristiano Ronaldo to Old Trafford, and much of the pre-match focus has been on him with Sir Alex Ferguson having spoken in glowing terms about his former charge.
"I think he is fine, as far as I am aware," the Madrid boss added. "I think any accolade he gets is more than deserved and I think the reception he will get from the crowd will be deserved. I am aware how well he did here and what an impact he had at the club.
"I think they (United) will be very defensive when we have the ball and I think it will be the same for us when we have the ball. They are a very strong attacking side and we will have to defend stoutly and well when they have the ball. Even though we are effectively behind with the away goal we will have to attack and be bold also."
Real go into the match on the back of two wins over arch-rivals Barcelona but midfielder Xabi Alonso insists United's good form cancels that out. "We've enjoyed two day's decent rest (since defeating Barca 2-1 on Saturday) but both teams go into he game in decent form," said the former Liverpool player.
"I think independent of what has happened in the last week in the two different competitions (Copa del Rey and league) we are coming into the game in good form and so are Manchester United.
"It is a very open tie, we come here knowing we need to score and they know they have to defend properly but it will be very tight and close to call. It is a massive game and will be decisive in both teams' seasons."
