'We Don't Know Whether Casillas Will Play'

Real Madrid assistant Aitor Karanka insists no decision has been made over whether Iker Casillas will return to the starting line-up to face Athletic Bilbao.

Diego Lopez has enjoyed a rich vein of form since Casillas suffered a hand injury back in January, and although the Spain captain has almost recovered fully from his problem, Karanka remained tight-lipped over who will don the gloves at San Mames on Sunday.

"San Mames is special for any player. For Iker, for me, for Xabi [Alonso], for [Sergio] Ramos...We still don't know who will play," he told a press conference.

Karanka also discussed the upcoming Champions League semi-final tie with Borussia Dortmund, and warned that his side should expect another stern challenge from the side who took four points off them during the group stage.
"We saw what happened to us against Galatasaray. There are no easy opponents in the Champions League. If anyone thinks that we are already in the final, you are wrong," he continued.

The former defender also took a moment to shower praise on the Madrid coaching set up, and particularly boss Jose Mourinho.
"I have spent two and a half years with this trainer [Mourinho], and with this coaching staff, learning and enjoying every day," he added. "I am delighted to work with a coach who is so respected in the football world by professionals: players, managers, coaches... he is respected worldwide."