Raul and Zidane doubtful for Valencia clash

Real Madrid captain Raul is a serious doubt for his side's early-season league clash against high-flying Valencia on Saturday because of a bruised hip.

French midfielder Zinedine Zidane could also miss the match at the Mestalla after pulling up in training on Thursday complaining of pain in his left thigh.

Zidane had an injury in the same place earlier this season which forced him to sit out an international friendly against Cyprus and the club said they would have to wait until Friday before making a decision as to whether or not he could play.

Spanish international striker Raul sustained his injury in last week's 3-1 win over Malaga and club medical staff say that he faces a race against time if he is to appear in the game at Mestalla.

"If all goes well he should be able to undergo a fitness test on Friday," said Doctor Juan Carlos Hernandez. "But it is going to be a very close run thing because the bruising really needs two or three days to subside."

Like fellow striker Ronaldo, Raul has scored three goals in four matches so far this season and his absence, especially if it were combined with that of Zidane's, would be a major blow to the reigning champions.

The good news for Real, though, is that influential defender Ivan Helguera will be available for the Valencia match after making a successful comeback from a knee injury in Wednesday's Bernabeu Trophy match against River Plate.

Real and Valencia are level on 10 points after four games, just two behind leaders Deportivo Coruna, who are the only side in the league with a 100 percent record.