Internet Desk: The forthcoming El Classico between Barcelona and Real Madrid will see a number of big names missing from both sides. It will force both coaches – Luis Enrique and Zinedine Zidane to make some interesting selection at Camp Nou on Saturday night.
Topping the list is Real Madrid’s star striker Gareth Bale. The Welsh international had a successful operation in London on Tuesday and looks in serious doubt to return before January 2017. Bale damaged the tendons in his ankle during his team’s 2-1 Champions League victory at Sporting Lisbon on Nov. 22.
The 27-year-old forward, who scored seven goals for Real so far this season will be a huge blow to Zidane’s team.
Real Madrid is also likely to miss the services of Alvaro Morata, Toni Kroos and Raphael Varane.
German international Kroos suffered a metatarsal fracture during the side’s clash against Leganes on November 06. While the club has not given any expected time on the sidelines, the former Bayern Munich player looks set to be unavailable for Saturday’s Classico. Similar injuries recently saw teammates James Rodriguez out for two months and Marcelo for three months.
Rapahel Varane has a sore knee while Alvaro Morata is suffering from a hamstring injury. The string of injuries forced Zidane to rest Cristiano Ronaldo fortonight’s Copa del Rey tie against Cultural Leonesa
Barcelona too will have injury concerns at home. Midfield general Andres Iniesta still looks to be in doubt for the Classico. The Spanish international has already returned to training. Iniesta injured his knee on the 22nd of October during a match against Valencia. He was expected to be out for more than 6 weeks. Luis Enrique may be forced to play him depending on the situation.
Brazilian Jordi Alba, on the other hand, suffered an injury against Real Sociedad, after falling awkwardly. He has injured his knee and ankle and is yet to recover. There is little chance of him featuring in the derby.
Jeremy Mathieu and Samuel Umtiti are also not expected to feature in the El Clasico. Mathieu is suffering from a calf strain while Umtiti tore his hamstring.
The match is likely to be a hotly contested fixture despite the fact that a number of star players could miss out the important game. It will be a make or break match for Barcelona as they cannot afford to lose as they are trailing by 6 points. Real Madrid has so far earned 33 points from 13 matches while Barcelona has managed 27 points from as many games.