Pepe keen to feature at the Bernabéu

(GSM) – Real Madrid defender Pepe is keen to be involved in his side’s match this weekend at Santiago Bernabéu since December.

The Portugal international was absent through majority of last season with cruciate ligament damage and, although he recovered to feature for Portugal at the World Cup, has since suffered a calf injury.

However, the 27-year-old appears to have fully recovered and could play in Madrid’s second Primera Division match of the season against Osasuna on Saturday.

“I feel fine and anxious to step onto the pitch and help the team,” Pepe, whose side drew their opening fixture against Real Mallorca in his absence, said. “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.”

Pepe expects a tough challenge on Saturday, especially from Osasuna strikers Walter Pandiani and Carlos Aranda.

“They are strong strikers,” he said. “They like to fight hard. 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.”