Real Madrid Star Set To Start On The Bench In Clasico

How brilliant is it that we get to kick off our Christmas weekend off with a bit of El Clasico as Real Madrid and Barcelona meet for the first time in the league this season. But one Real star will have to make do with a place on the bench.

Father Christmas must not be a football fan because you'd assume that he'll be spending Saturday preparing for his very long night on Sunday, flying all over the world delivering presents.

If he was a football fan then there'd be no way he could tear himself away from the telly. The weekend kicks off with El Clasico and several hours later finishes with a 7.45 evening kick off in the Premier League, perfect.

_{Santa won't be at his television on Saturday. Image: PA Images.}

It's a biggie of a Clasico with Zinedine Zidane's side currently sitting 11 points behind their fierce rivals in La Liga, a loss for the home side would be pretty fatal to their hopes of retaining the league.

So you'd expect that all the big guns would be on show but unfortunately that's not the case. According to Marca Gareth Bale is set to start the game on the bench, despite starting to prove his fitness in the Club World Cup.

_{Bale comes on in the final but it's not enough. Image: PA Images.}

Bale's whole time at the Bernabeu has been beset by injuries and he has been out for the past three months. It was felt it might be longer but he has shown great fitness to come back for the recent tournament.

It's thought the 28 year-old isn't quite ready to start a game even if his goal against Al Jazira in the semi-final and performance against Germio in the final might have had some calling for his inclusion.

_{Bale still has some way to go before he's in the starting line up. Image: PA Images.}

After winning La Liga and the Champions League last season Zidane's side were expected to dominate again this season but instead Barca have been in terrific form.

Real sit 11 points behind Ernesto Valverde's side but do have a game in hand but that would make no difference if they lose on Saturday, it promises to be a holiday humdinger.

Topics: Barcelona, gareth bale, Clasico, Spain, Real Madrid, La Liga

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

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