Álex Martínez is back. The left winger, who has started training again this week, will once again be available for selection by Julio Velázquez having recovered from the injury that has kept him off the pitch for several weeks. The apprentice was commenting on his physical condition, the criticism about Julio Velázquez and the significance of the match against UD Las Palmas.

, Now that you've recovered from injury ¿will you be in the team this Sunday?: “It has dragged on a bit and it's been a bit rough, but I'm feeling good now. I am happy to be back with the team. If the coach decides to put me in the team on Sunday, I will be thrilled. Now I have got to work hard and build up strength because I am still not 100%”.

¿What do you think about Casado?: “He is a very competitive, he's always really keen to train and do things to the best of his ability. I learn a lot from him and we get on really well. He's doing really well, I know it's going to be hard to get back into that position. It's just healthy competition. In the last few matches I have seen him giving it 100%”.

Your opinion of the defence: “If we win, it's a team effort. And likewise if we lose. If we fail, we can't blame the defence. There have been goals where perhaps there has been a lack of intensity, but not by the defence, but by all the team.”.

Is Sunday's match crucial?: “It's a game against a direct opponent, who is going to throwing everything against us. They've got a great team. They are going to make it very difficult for us. We've got to make up for the draw against Valladolid by winning in front of our home crowd. We know it's going to be difficult, but we have lots of reasons to walk away with three points on Sunday”.

Do you think it's a lower standard in the category compared to last year?: “Each year the teams get better. This year there are teams like CA Osasuna or Real Valladolid who were in the First Division and are really strong. They are teams that are very difficult to play against. The category is really complicated and the Liga is very long. You have to win a lot of points to stay at the top. It's going to be complicated, but with the team we have got we will achieve our goal”.

Standard of the team: “This category is very different compared to last year. If you relax for one second, your rival is all over you The Second Division is a very physical category. I prefer to play badly and win than to play well and lose”.

What do you think about Velázquez's critics?: “Every one has their critics. We are 100% behind the coach. We are very happy with him. We will be right behind him as long he is here. We can all criticise people, but the coach is doing a really good job”.

Are you worried that N’Diaye is in Africa, given the situation with Ebola?: “It's a very serious situation. But it is his obligation to play for his team. If they called me up for the national team, I would be over the moon. He must be very concerned, but we hope that he's OK and gets back as fit as possible, because we really miss him; he is a very important player for us”.

Rayo Vallecano has requested that Lass Bangoura return: “If the Club decides that they have to call Alfred back, all well and good - the risks will be reduced. They are issues for the Club. We hope to have him back as soon as possible to help the team”.