Heinze arrived at Real after he was involved in a dispute with Manchester United board over his initial demand to join their arch-rivals Liverpool.

He missed Real's 2-1 victory over city rivals Atletico Madrid in the Primera Liga opener last week but Schuster is likely to field him against Villarreal.

"He's working very well and he is very driven. I think he will play tomorrow," the German coach told the pre-match press conference.

"That and the game with Argentina is what he needs to reach an optimum form."

Heinze is expected to make up for the loss of Roberto Carlos, who moved to Turkish club Fenerbahce.