Wins in their weekend matches for Real Madrid and FC Barcelona came at a heavy cost to both sides following the loss of key footballers through injury.
Barcelona's 4-0 triumph away on Sunday over Eibar was marred by an ankle ligament injury suffered by midfielder Sergio Busquets. The Spain international was caught by a high tackle from Eibar midfielder Gonzalo Escalante and forced out of the game. Early indications are that he has a twisted external ankle ligament which will sideline him for between a month and six weeks, reports Xinhua.
That would not only see Busquets miss between four and six league matches and the King's Cup semi-finals should Barcelona qualify, but also the last 16 Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain.
Real Madrid's narrow win at home to Malaga came at an even higher price as both left-back Marcelo and central midfielder Luka Modric had to leave the pitch with injuries.
Modric suffered a groin injury and will be sidelined for around three weeks, while Marcelo tore a hamstring and will be out for around a month.
These injuries come just four days after right back Dani Carvajal suffered a hamstring injury which will see him out for a month, leaving Zinedine Zidane with a defensive crisis given that central defender Nacho Fernandez is the only cover for Marcelo and Danilio is the only other right back available. Fabio Coentrao also appears to be constantly unfit.
--IANS
pur/bg