Real Madrid Could Be Without Cristiano Ronaldo For Saturday's Clasico

The last thing you need as a team going into a game against your rivals when 11 points them behind them is an injury to your superstar but that's exactly what Real Madrid are faced with this weekend.

Manchester City dominate the Premier League thanks in part to their recent 2-1 victory over Manchester United, which the Red Devils had to play without the use of their best player Paul Pogba. That loss left them 11 points behind Pep Guardiola's side.

In Spain the gap between first and second isn't as great but it is exactly the same gap between leaders Barcelona and their fiercest rivals, Real Madrid. Los Blancos game in hand will mean nothing if they lose El Clasico on Saturday early afternoon.

_{Luis Suarez scored twice as Barcelona beat Deportivo 4-0 to continue their brilliant form. Image: PA Images.}

Fresh off winning the FIFA Club World Cup, Zinedine Zidane will be desperate to reduce the gap on Ernesto Valverde's side and the last thing he'd want is to follow Jose Mourinho's lead by being without his best player.

However according to the Daily Mail the two time Champions League winning manager could be without Cristiano Ronaldo after the forward picked up an injury last week and is currently training on his own.

_{Ronaldo celebrates winning the World Club Cup. Image: PA Images.}

A club spokesman confirmed that the five time Ballon d'Or winner was not part of the group at training, saying, "Cristiano Ronaldo worked separately from the group, while Luca [Modric] also trained alone out on the pitch as he continues his recovery process."

After the win against Gremio last weekend the former Manchester United winger revealed his injury but felt he'd play at the weekend, "I felt an issue in my calf in the second half, but I kept playing. For sure on Saturday I will be fine."

_{Ronaldo and Bale celebrate getting into the final. Image: PA Images.}

The news is obviously a blow to Real but it could be a good boost to Gareth Bale. The Welshman is just back from an injury and twice came off the bench last week but could be promoted to the starting line up if Ronaldo is out.

Do you think Ronaldo will actually miss out?

Topics: El Clasico, Barcelona, Lionel Messi, Clasico, Spain, Cristiano Ronaldo, 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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