Real Madrid to rest Ramos for Alaves game

Zinedine Zidane has confirmed centre-back Sergio Ramos will not be selected for Sunday's LaLiga game against Alaves.

Sergio Ramos will not be selected by Real Madrid for their home match against Alaves on Sunday, Zinedine Zidane confirmed as his team prepares for the LaLiga run-in.

Ramos played twice for Spain during the international break and Zidane's squad rotation continues with league leaders Real Madrid facing nine fixtures during a busy April.

Barcelona have announced Gerard Pique will not face Granada on Sunday and the centre-back's international partner Ramos is also being given the weekend off.

"Sergio is going to rest and that's a decision by the boss," Zidane told reporters at his pre-match press conference. "He has played a lot and all the players here are very important."

"Cristiano [Ronaldo] has four yellow cards. But we do not look at that. It's important he plays as always. We will see how we manage it. I hope he stays with four until the end of the season."

"We have a lot of games this month. We are going to need all the players and we are ready for the final stretch. It's the same as always, they are all important and everyone knows that they are important, sure there will be some who will play more than others, but what I value is that everyone works and contributes every day until the end of the season."

"We know that there is a final stretch where everything is played and we are prepared for the two challenges: LaLiga and Champions League."