Real Madrid will have to make do without the services of Alvaro Arbeloa for this evening's trip to Espanyol.

The right-back has picked up a gluteus muscle injury that will require him to spend a few days on the sidelines.

He has joined Sergio Ramos, Luka Modric and Sami Khedira in being absent for the clash in Cornella.

Los Blancos must win the encounter to stand any chance of taking the La Liga title race to the final day.