Pepe primed for Real return

Centre-half declares himself ready to face Osasuna

Last updated: 9th September 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Pepe primed for Real return

Pepe: Over injury problems

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Real Madrid could be about to welcome Pepe back into their starting XI against Osasuna on Sunday.

The Portugal international has struggled with injury of late, with cruciate ligament damage forcing him to miss much of the 2009/10 campaign.

He did recover in time to make the World Cup finals, but has since picked up a calf problem.

That prevented him from turning out for Real in their season opener against Real Mallorca, but he could return to the fold for their latest encounter.

Pepe insists he is raring to go after a difficult spell on the sidelines and admits he cannot wait to turn out at the Santiago Bernabeu again.

"I feel fine and anxious to step onto the pitch and help the team," Pepe, whose side drew their opening fixture in his absence, told the club's official website.

Important

"I can't wait to play at the Bernabeu again. It is very important to me.

"We always try to win, but it isn't possible all the time. It is our duty to do a good job and fight to the end to take three points. That's what we'll do."

Jose Mourinho could be tempted to throw Pepe back into action, as Osasuna boast a deadly strike partnership in the shape of Walter Pandiani and Carlos Aranda.

"They are strong strikers. They like to fight hard," said Pepe.

"Osasuna have a good squad and a strong coach. They've been doing a good job.

"We have to try to control the pace to our games from the start."