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Real Madrid v Las Palmas preview: Kiko Casilla to replace Keylor Navas

Kiko Casilla, goalkeeper of Real Madrid
Image: Kiko Casilla joined Real Madrid in the summer from Espanyol

Goalkeeper Kiko Casilla will make his first start of the season for Real Madrid against Las Palmas on Saturday.

Casilla, who joined from Espanyol this summer, will replace the injured Keylor Navas in the starting XI at the Bernabeu.

Navas has proved key for Real this season, who remain the only side unbeaten in La Liga but the Costa Rica international sustained a muscular injury during last weekend's 3-1 win at Celta Vigo and will sit out this weekend.

La Liga Football

"Our priority is to do what is best for Real and we are not going to risk Keylor or force the return of any other player," head coach Rafael Benitez said to Marca.

"We have enough resources for our next game and there's no need to take unnecessary risks."

Real, who are also without injured pair Dani Carvajal and Gareth Bale, will also rest Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Alvaro Arbeloa, James Rodriguez and Karim Benzema this weekend despite all five having recovered from injury.

They are all expected to return in Tuesday's Champions League home match against Paris St Germain.

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Gareth Bale in action for Real Madrid against his former club Tottenham Hotspur
Image: Gareth Bale will not play against Las Palmas

Madrid are level on 21 points with second-place Barcelona,  but are ahead of the defending champions on goal difference.

Real boast the best attack and defensive line in the competition with 21 goals scored and three conceded.

Las Palmas held Villarreal to a goalless draw last time out in Quique Setien's first game in charge.

Setien replaced Paco Herrera, who was dismissed following his team's dismal run of form last week, and was satisfied with the result that saw his side keep a clean sheet for the third time this season.

"I've seen good things which can only make me optimistic," Setien said. "We need to go to the Bernabeu with personality."

Las Palmas, with just one win from their opening nine games, are 18th in the standings with just one point from their four away games.

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