Real Madrid Midfielder Xabi Alonso Doubtful For Valencia Clash

Not wanting to risk further damage to a delicate injury, Kaka is out until 2010 with a pulled groin muscle while Cristiano Ronaldo will have to serve out a suspension for Saturday's match against Valencia.

But one day after securing passage to the knockout stage of the Champions League as tops in their group, Real Madrid are now faced with another injury woe as midfield organizer Xabi Alonso missed training today and is doubtful for Saturday's match at La Mestalla, according to Marca.

Alonso picked up a minor injury against Marseille and had to be substituted for Mahamadou Diarra in the second half. The Spanish international has been a crucial addition to Madrid's midfield this season, providing the bulk of link-up play between the defence and attack, establishing and maintaining possession, and providing long, accurate passes to quickly switch the field of play.

Sergio Ramos, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Guti, and Christoph Metzelder also did not train today; the Sevillan defender picked up a minor knock in yesterday's match but is not in danger of missing Saturday's crucial match while the Dutchman, Spaniard, and German continue to recover from more bothersome injuries. Guti arrived late at training today and, as is customary in such cases, was greeted with applause for his tardiness by his team-mates.