Real duo in fitness race

Midfielders Iván Helguera and Zinedine Zidane are in a race against the clock to be declared fit for Real's clash with Celta Vigo on Sunday.

The two were spotted working out at the club's Sporting City training ground on Wednesday while their colleagues took a well-deserved day off.

Real physios, Paco Jiménez and Javier Miñano put Helguera and Zizou through a tough physical and technical workout with the hope of bringing both players up to full fitness before the weekend.

Helguera is now almost ready to rejoin the team after fracturing his right foot during the pre-season. He was given the all-clear from Real's medical team 10 days ago but must now wait until coach Vicente del Bosque considers him to be match fit.

Zidane was poorly last week with a bout of gastroenteritis but the French ace is now right as rain and if all goes well, should be given the all-clear for the Celta game.

Meanwhile, right-back Geremi Fotso is progressing nicely with his muscle tear injury and although he has no chance of playing on Sunday, he should be available for next week's Champions League clash at home to Roma.