Limited opportunities
The 23-year-old right back broke into Madrid's first team in February 2002 as understudy to Michel Salgado but injuries hampered his chances of making a permanent impact. The summer signings of Walter Samuel from AS Roma and Newcastle United FC's Jonathan Woodgate have further limited his opportunities.

Injury concern
Miñambres may also struggle to get into Miguel Angel Lotina's Espanyol side as the club have also signed former AS Monaco FC right-back Hugo Ibarra. The youngster made just one league appearance last term in a season blighted by a hairline fracture to his left foot which required two operations.