Real Madrid will be without Gareth Bale for their crucial midweek clash against Villarreal. Zinedine Zidane’s side are only one point behind joint leaders Barcelona and Atletico and have the advantage of playing after their rivals AND at home, with both the Blaugrana and Los Colchoneros having to travel to Deportivo and Bilbao respectively.

Apart from the injured Bale, Real will also have to do without the services of Daniel Carvajal. Bale is expected to be back for the weekend clash against Rayo, while Carvajal should return in time for the first leg of next week’s Champions League semifinal against Man City.

Bale is expected to be replaced by James Rodriguez for the Villarreal game while Danilo should fill in for Carvajal.