Real's Del Bosque rests Zidane ahead of United clash

Real Madrid coach Vicente del Bosque is taking no risks ahead of next week's Champions League tie against Manchester United, omitting Zinedine Zidane and Claude Makelele from his squad to face Rayo Vallecano this weekend.

The French midfielders sustained minor injuries while on international duty earlier this week and did not train with the rest of the team on Friday.

Del Bosque has, however, included experienced centre back Fernando Hierro in the squad for the match against their relegation-threatened neighbours at the Bernabeu on Saturday.

The Real skipper is set to play his first league match since damaging knee ligaments against Real Betis at the beginning of February and his reappearance should mean he will reclaim his place in the back four for the quarter-final first leg against United in Madrid on Tuesday.

Ronaldo, Luis Figo and centre back Ivan Helguera, who appear to have shaken off minor injury niggles, have also all been included in the squad, although Del Bosque may choose to limit their participation in Saturday's game.

Real lead the Spanish first division by three points from Real Sociedad, who play third-placed Deportivo Coruna at the Riazor on Sunday.