Bale could be on borrowed time
INJURIES, POOR FORM DERAIL WELSHMAN Uruguayan strikers ready to do battle at the Camp Nou.
Talk of a crisis at Real Madrid is over for now, but the form of Gareth Bale remains a cause of concern ahead of this weekend’s meeting with Alaves in La Liga.
The Welshman was back on the bench for Wednesday’s 3-1 victory at Leganes, his involvement restricted to a late cameo as Zinedine Zidane’s side claimed a fourth consecutive win.
Bale had started in last weekend’s 5-3 success at Betis but failed to impress, having also been left out of the line-up for the 3-1 Champions League win against Paris Saint-Germain.
He has not completed 90 minutes since September due to injury and poor form, and the Madrid media appear to have made their minds up – “Bale’s credit has run out”, said the headline in sports daily Marca on Thursday.
Cristiano Ronaldo was rested at Leganes but could return as Madrid look to extend a run that has seen them take 16 points from a possible 18.
That form has lifted them into the top three, although they remain 14 points behind leaders Barcelona.
Sergio Ramos is suspended, while Marcelo, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric are all fighting to shake off injuries.
Alaves could be dangerous opponents too, thanks to a stunning turnaround under new coach Abelardo that has lifted them 10 points clear of the relegation zone.
Barcelona host Girona looking to extend their unbeaten run in La Liga to 32 matches.
That would be a new club record, after their 2-0 win at Eibar last weekend saw them match the previous mark of 31 games set under Pep Guardiola in 2010/11.
Seven points behind Barcelona in second, Atletico Madrid face a tough trip to Sevilla, who were unfortunate not to beat Manchester United in the Champions League in midweek.
Today’s Catalan derby at the Camp Nou will see two Uruguayan strikers in prolific form go up against one another.
Barca’s Luis Suarez has scored 17 La Liga goals this season, with 14 in his last 13 games.
Meanwhile, his compatriot Christhian Stuani – his first name is indeed written that way – is in top form since returning to Spain from Middlesbrough. – AFP