In Spain, La Liga leaders Barcelona are in action later today, away at Celta Vigo in the first leg of the Copa Del Rey last 16 as they look to continue their title defense. Hoping to make a return to action is club record signing Ousmane Dembele who has been sidelined since September following his 97 million pound move from Dortmund in the summer. But, as Mike Fox tells us, it's not who is in the Barca ranks, at least not yet, making more headlines.

It's a relief not just to fans of Barcelona but to football, that Ousamne Dembele is back training and looking to return to first team action. The 20-year-old has shown plenty of promise to be a true entertainer of the game but since being stretched off four months ago with a hamstring knock against Getafe, hasn't featured for the Catalans.

ERNESTO VALVERDE BARCELONA MANAGER "We know he got injured whilst still adapting to the team. Let's see if he can help us during this competition. We think he could become an important player, and of course we want to count on him, not only on January, but also the rest of the season. It is clear he needs to start in the team but only step by step."

As the January transfer window opens, so does another chance to sign Philippe Courrtinho. The La Liga leaders had three bids rejected in the summer by Liverpool but it looks as if the Brazilian will be on his way to the Nou Camp, its just a matter of when..

ERNESTO VALVERDE BARCELONA COACH "Coutinho is a player from another team. A good player of course. And we don't know what will happen in the future, but right now, I prefer to talk about my players. My only concern is them. We will see about those who may come. If they come at all."

In the capital all is not well. A sour end to 2017 saw Real Madrid lose three nil to Barcelona in "El Classico" and a win tonight against second division Numancia will hardly be seen as a return to form as Los Blancos sit fourth, 14 points off the pace. It's no wonder boss Zinedine Zidane is going to give some frindge players a chance in the cup clash amidst speculation on his future.

ZINEDINE ZIDANE REAL MADRID COACH "We are never tired of winning. It's true that when we flying high we can also descend a bit before going up again. I am in my third year, but I have not finished it. When I have finished it, I will see what happens. I am convinced that I still have enough energy for the next six months and so do the squad."

The fact still remains, the Frenchman has won more trophies than lost matches but in the modern game memories are short and seasons are long. Mike Fox CGTN.