Higuaín back, but key Madrid trio doubtful

Real Madrid CF coach José Mourinho has expressed his delight that striker Gonzalo Higuaín is available again after returning from injury, though revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Marcelo could all miss Tuesday's UEFA Champions League quarter-final opener against Tottenham Hotspur FC.

Both Benzema (hamstring) and Marcelo (bruised rib) returned injured from midweek international duty with France and Brazil respectively, while Ronaldo continues to suffer from the hamstring problem he picked up in the victory against Club Atlético de Madrid on 19 March.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's encounter at home to Real Sporting de Gijón, Mourinho explained: "From the information I've received from the medical department, [the three players concerned] will only be available for the Liga game against Athletic Club [on 9 April]."

The two-time UEFA Champions League winner struck a happier note when speaking about Higuáin's return from surgery on a slipped disc, the Argentinian forward named in a match squad for the first time since last November. "Not even with the most favourable prognosis at the time could we have hoped to see him return playing so soon," Mourinho said. "We are very happy; it was a positive surprise for all concerned."