(Football news) Real Madrid have had a tough couple of weeks as they have drawn their last 2 La Liga games. They also lost the home leg of the Copa Del Rey semi final against Barcelona. Now they have a home game against Espanyol. Real Madrid cannot afford to lose or draw as Barcelona are 9 points clear on top of the league table. Espanyol are currently 13th on the table and they come into this game having lost their last match against Real Valladolid. 

David Alaba and Ferland Mendy are back in training but they won’t be ready for this fixture. Karim Benzema hasn’t been training with the team and his availability is a doubt. Antonio Rudiger is also a doubt as he has muscle fatigue while Luka Modric is back from suspension. Carlo Ancelotti will definitely not risk Rudiger and Benzema as Real Madrid’s next two matches are against Liverpool and Barcelona. Espanyol on the other hand will be without Dani Gomez, Adria Pedrosa and Keidi Bare while Brian Olivan is a doubt. 

After their win against Valencia, Barcelona will play away at Athletic Club. Gavi and Xavi will return after serving their suspension. Ronald Araujo is unavailable after his red card against Valencia. Pedri, Robert Lewandowski and Ousmane Dembele are all still injured and will be unavailable. The Blaugrana have one hand on the title but Real Madrid will continue to fight. Xavi will definitely want his team to dominate the games to secure the title comfortably. Athletic Club on the other hand have dropped to the 9th spot having lost 2 and drawn 1 of their last 3 La Liga matches. They desperately need a win and what better way to make a statement than a win against the league leaders.

Also read: Will Karim Benzema’s injury woes affect his contract extension?