Champions League: Real Madrid without Iker Casillas for Manchester United match

Spain international goalkeeper not fully recovered from a broken hand

Iker Casillas: The Spain international goalkeeper not fully recovered from a broken hand (Getty Images)

Jose Mourinho has confirmed he will be without experienced 'keeper Iker Casillas for tomorrow's huge Champions League tie against Manchester United.

The World Cup and double European Championship winner only returned to training on Thursday after breaking his hand against Valencia in January. He has travelled with the squad, but will not be considered.

Mourinho said: "Everyone is fit and ready to play and be considered, with the exception of Iker Casillas."

"We are sorry we had to travel yesterday (because of a baggage handlers' strike) because we don't like to wait.

"The emotion is high and we want to play.

"Tomorrow the world will stop to watch this tie, which doesn't look like a tie it looks like a final."

The match marks Cristiano Ronaldo's first return to Old Trafford, and much of the pre-match focus has been on him with Sir Alex Ferguson speaking in glowing terms about his former star.

"I think he is fine, as far as I am aware," the Madrid boss added.

"I think any accolade he gets is more than deserved and I think the reception he will get from the crowd will be deserved.

"I am aware how well he did here and what an impact he had at the club."