Pepe, on course for the United game

Pepe is progressing as predicted, and shouldn't have any problems being in shape for the Champions League game against Manchester United. For the Portuguese centre-back, the date of 13th February is stuck in his mind, and both he and his manager are set on him being ready for the all-important game.

The plan is for Pepe to be given the all-clear by his doctors in time for him to get match-fit and be on top form for the clash with Alex Ferguson's men at the Bernabéu this 13th February. Given the importance of this encounter, virtually all the tickets for the game have already been sold.

Pepe continues to train alone in the gym. Last 2nd January, the player's right ankle was operated on in Porto. He underwent an arthroscopy to put an end to the pain he had been suffering. He did so despite Mourinho being somewhat disgruntled that he had chosen to be operated on just when the team came back from the Christmas break, instead of choosing 21st December after the last game before the holidays, against Málaga.

Pepe is one of the key pieces in Mourinho's box. Together with Xabi Alonso, the Portuguese manager usually relies on him to receive and pass on any orders the manager may give out from the sideline in the middle of a game.