Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo will not be able to play away against Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday after Spain's Sporting Disciplinary Committee (CEDD) refused to lift a two-match ban while their appeal was heard.
Coach Manuel Pellegrini had earlier named Ronaldo in the squad pending the outcome of the CEDD decision. As a replacement, he has called up youth team forward Rodrigo who is the fourth Real Madrid Castilla player included.
Ronaldo was given a straight red card last weekend after breaking Malaga defender Patrick Mtiliga's nose with a flailing arm as the two tussled for a ball. He was given a two-match ban and the Football Federation rejected Real's appeal.
"It's logical that Real fight for him, but they know it is unreasonable," Lotina was quoted as saying in the sports daily AS.
"Our fans would like to see him but it would be bad for Spanish football."
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola will rest right back Daniel Alves for the leaders' trip to Sporting Gijon on Saturday. The Brazilian suffered a knock in training during the week.
Valencia, five points behind Real in third, visit sixth-placed Sevilla on Sunday with the league's second best away record.
Atletico Madrid's qualification for the King's Cup semi-finals is a boost for the visit of Malaga on Sunday but coach Quique Sanchez Flores has preached caution.
"When I see a solid team, I will tell you. At present I'm only seeing it in certain games. We still lack consistency,"
