Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini has indicated his squad is at the bare bones for their clash with Deportivo La Coruna.

Pellegrini has called up four youngsters from the reserves for the match, with seven of his senior players ruled out through injury.

Gonzalo Higuain, Fernando Gago, Rafael van der Vaart, Lassana Diarra, Mahamadou Diarra, Pepe and Ezequiel Garay are all definitely missing.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been included in Pellegrini's 19-man squad for the trip north, though, as the club wait to learn whether their appeal is successful.

He is joined in the group by Real Madrid Castilla quartet David Mateos (22), Raul Ruiz (19), Pedro Mosquera (21) and Rodrigo (18).