'El Resumen' 17.11.09 Bernabeu crosses its fingers for Cristiano


The Madrid faithful will be waiting with baited breath for the verdict given by Doctor Van Dijk at 4.30pm today on Cristiano Ronaldo's ankle. It is expected he will return against Zurich in the Champions League, but the game against Racing at the weekend hasnt been completely ruled out.

As the pressure on Pelligrini seemed to have died down during the international break, Luiz Filipe Scolari has emerged as the new favourite to take the reigns if the Chilean is sacked. Next week it's Mourinho's turn, then Hiddinks and so on.

Valencia Sporting Director Fernando Gomez has decided to soften the impact of the January transfer window by already stating that the sales of Villa and Silva are likely, given the clubs precarious financial position.

Barcelona defender Carlos Puyol rates Brazilian Robinho highly, qualifying him as an excellent player, but adds that Barcelona already have more than enough ammunition in that area of the pitch.

Getafe interested in Belgian striker Emile Mpenza to bolster their frontline alongside Roberto Soldado.

Real Madrid reportedly interested in signing Peruvian full-back Juan Vargas from Fiorentina. The player is more comfortable at the left-back where Madrid have lacked a natural left-footer but can also play in midfield.

Real Zaragoza set to move for former Lyon striker Fred, currently playing for Fluminese in Brazil, as Olympique Marseilles are interested in snapping up their own Brazilian striker Ewerthon who is struggling to get starts at La Romereda.

Xerez President Carlos Osma has attempted to rally the Chapin Army by underlining the importance of the fans as their twelfth man. Xerez desparately need a win on sunday against Sporting to lift themselves away from the foot of the table.

Malaga are sweating on the fitness of star midfielder Apoño before the weekends home game against Zaragoza.

More than 7000 Real Betis season ticket holders are staying away from home matches in protest at the running of the club and the abysmal performances on show so far this season. Why did they buy one in the first place?

AND FINALLY: This goalkeeper in America has taken Bruce Grobbelaar's tactic of putting off penalty takers to a new level, but in the end the joke was on him. You sometimes wonder if they do this stuff just to get on TV. Well, it works.