Flavio to replace Helguera

Flavio Concecaio is favourite to stand in for the injured Ivan Helguera while he recovers following an operation today on his broken foot.

Team coach Vicente Del Bosque has drafted the Brazilian midfielder into the side to act as the double pivot with Claude Makelele while Helguera recovers from his operation, a period that could last up to eight weeks.

Flavio, 27, has not figured regularly for the Madrilenos since he arrived at the Bernabeu from Deportivo last summer.

He was forced to take a back seat at the start of the year when he went under the knife to remedy a niggling groin strain, but Helguera's injury, sustained against Inter Milan on Tuesday, has opened the door for Flavio, who will fight to partner Makelele with Albert Celades.

The player told Spanish daily Marca on Friday: "I'm convinced that this season's going to be a special one for me and the team. I know that I have to take advantage of whatever opportunities come my way and I'm prepared to work flat out to show everyone what I'm worth".