Real Madrid focus switches to Primera Division match against Sporting Gijon

Real Madrid will be bidding to put their off-pitch troubles behind them when they take on Sporting Gijon at the Bernabeu.

The famous Spanish club were left stunned on Thursday after they were handed a transfer ban by FIFA following an alleged breach in the international transfer and registration of players aged under 18.

The ruling will prevent Real Madrid from registering players for the next two transfer windows which could have a long-term impact on the futures of Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea and Chelsea's Eden Hazard - both of whom have been linked with a move to the Spanish capital.

Back on pitch and Zinedine Zidane will want to build on his side's impressive 5-0 victory against Deportivo in his first match as manager following the dismissal of Rafael Benitez.

Unlike their Primera Division rivals Barcelona, Real Madrid had no game in midweek following their disqualification from the Copa Del Rey, so Zidane should be at full strength for Sunday's match, despite Sergio Ramos nursing a shoulder injury.

The biggest issue for Zidane is whether to start with James Rodriguez or Isco after giving the latter - a reported target for Manchester City - the nod against Deportivo. Gareth Bale meanwhile, will be keen to follow up his hat-trick with another strong display.

Sporting Gijon arrive at the Bernabeu having lost seven of their last eight matches - including their last four - and are without a win since early December.

The club, 18th in the table, have also been rocked by the news that defender Bernardo Espinosa will be sidelined for the next seven months after he sustained a knee injury against Villarreal last weekend.

Their biggest hope of an upset in Madrid will rest on the shoulders of Alen Halilovic - the Croatian on loan from Barcelona - who has been in impressive form this season.

Zidane's side will however, be the overwhelming favourites to secure a fourth victory from five in Spain's top flight as they bid to catch league leaders Atletico Madrid, who are at Las Palmas, and Barcelona - who host Athletic Bilbao.