Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster has hinted he could start tonight with Roberto Soldado in attack against Real Valladolid.

Ruud van Nistelrooy has been ruled out and Schuster said: "Soldado is an option, though we also have (Gonzalo) Higuain and (Julio) Baptista, who can play further forward.

"That Soldado has not played is my decision. I've gone with the other forwards who are playing, Ruud and Raul. It has been difficult for him, but he is behaving well, like (Javier) Saviola."