Double injury blow for Espanyol

The Catalan club were beaten 2-0 in Santiago Bernabeu but were dealt a further blow courtesy of injuries to Albert Crusat and Sergio Sanchez.

Midfielder Crusat was only six minutes into his first team baptism when he fractured his arm as he challenged for a header.

Crusat now faces two months on the sidelines and was cursing his luck to be injured on his Espanyol debut.

"To make my debut and to be injured so early on, leaves a very bad taste in my mouth," said Crusat.

"This is certainly not the debut that I have dreamed of for so long."

Goalkeeper Sanchez ruptured a muscle in his right leg but managed to finish the match against Real.

He has been ruled out for three weeks but despite their deepening injury crisis, Espanyol have told a trio of players they can leave the club.

Oscar Garcia (pictured), Ricardo Cavas and Fran have been told to look for new clubs immediately.