(Football news) Real Madrid are miles ahead in the La Liga table but now face problems due to a Covid outbreak. Barcelona and Atlético Madrid have not reported any cases so far. Madrid's game cannot be postponed as they do not have enough players missing but reports suggest that the club would not have asked for a postponement even if the option was available.

After their disappointing draw at Osasuna last week, Barcelona lost the friendly Maradona Cup to Boca Juniors on penalties. Xavi will be looking to end the year on a high with two games left. The first one is against Elche at the Camp Nou. Sergio Aguero has formally retired from professional football. Martin Braithwaite, Ansu Fati, Pedri, Sergi Roberto, Jordi Alba and Memphis Depay are unavailable for selection. Ousmane Dembélé is also a doubt after being forced off against Osasuna. Barcelona are 9th on the table and with a win can jump to 6th at the most.

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Fourth placed Atletico Madrid play second place Sevilla at Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium. Atletico Madrid will be keen to bounce back after a very lackluster performance in the Madrid derby. Stefan Savic and Sime Vrsaljko are still out of contention but Kieran Trippier and Jose Gimenez could return to the side. Sevilla are still without Erik Lamela, Youssef En-Nesyri, Jesus Navas and Suso due to injuries while holding midfielder Fernando is suspended for the clash.

Real Madrid who are on a 10 game win streak in all competitions will go head to head against Cadiz at home. Dani Ceballos is the only injured player for Real Madrid but they have been handed a big blow after Marco Asensio, Rodrygo, Gareth Bale, Andriy Lunin, Luka Modric and Marcelo have tested positive for COVID-19. Real Madrid find themselves without a natural right winger with all 3 options out of contention. It gives a great opportunity for the likes of Eden Hazard, Eduardo Camavinga and Fede Valverde to try and impress Carlo Ancelotti. After such an amazing run of wins ending the year by dropping points due to a Covid outbreak would be the worst thing Real Madrid could have hoped for.