Real Madrid prepare for Levante trip with Ronaldo a doubt

Cristiano Ronaldo is the main doubt as Real Madrid prepare for their BBVA Primera Liga match away to Levante on Sunday evening. The Portuguese international needed stitches on his ankle after a high challenge during the his side's Champions League win away to Dynamo Zagreb on Wednesday night and his presence in Valencia depends on his recovery between now and kick off. Ronaldo is not the only doubt for Real Madrid coach, Jose Mourinho, who must also be considering a change in central midfield. Fabio Coentrao has been first choice to partner Xabi Alonso in the middle of the park and Mourinho likes Coentrao's energy and vertical movement in the game. However, against Zagreb, it was clear that Coentrao does not have the ability to control the ball and assure possession as much as Sami Khedira and in the continued absence of Nuri Sahin, who is still suffering from a knee problem, Khedira could get the nod. Raul Albiol could also be given an opportunity in central defense as, with another league match in midweek, Mourinho looks to rest Ricardo Carvalho, who has looked slow on occasions this season. On paper, Levante should be straightforward rivals for a side that has won its first three matches of the season: the second team from the city of Valencia has one of the lowest budgets in the BBVA Primera Liga and sold star striker Felipe Caicedo over the summer, as well as losing coach, Luis Garcia to Getafe. Nevertheless they have kicked off the season with two draws and although Levante have only scored one goal so far this season, Mourinho will not have forgotten how they frustrated Madrid in the Ciudad de Valencia stadium last season to cling on for a brave 0-0 draw. With Madrid and Barcelona expected to drop very few points this campaign any slip up could be potentially disastrous. Levante meanwhile will look to former Real Madrid youngster Carlos Aranda to lead their attack with Jose Barkero and Javier Farinos looking to supply the ammunition. Meanwhile the home defense will be led by the veterans Sergio Ballesteros and Asier Del Horno and if Ronaldo's ankle is feeling sore, he can expect little sympathy from that experienced duo.