Real Madrid's Raul Albiol: Cristiano Ronaldo And Kaka Absences Are No Excuse

Despite travelling to Valencia without Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo in the squad, Real Madrid defender Raul Albiol has rejected the notion that the two stars' absences will make any difference to the team's expectations at La Mestalla on Saturday.

While recognising that the Brazilian and the Portuguese are important to the squad, Albiol also expressed confidence that the players who will perform in their stead can do a job for Los Blancos. The visitors must add to their recent string of victories so as not to allow Liga leaders Barcelona to distance themselves any farther at the top of the table. The Catalan side head the table by five points, though Madrid do have a game in hand.

The ex-Valencia player also spoke of his former team, citing the absence of midfielder David Silva as "an important loss" while also admitting that the return to his former club will be special. "I am grateful to the club and the fans for all they [did] to support me in my time there".