Leading club Barcelona will be playing in Pamplona against Osasuna, and the Argentine goal-machine is likely to be back fully recovered from the injury to his right thigh. The appearances of the long-awaited Carles Puyol (after being out for seven months) and Javier Mascherano are also a strong possibility.
Osasuna is floundering in the third from last position in La Liga, and has already lost three times at home this season, while Barça has won a straight eight from its eight games.
Real Madrid meanwhile receives Málaga, and the presence of new signing Gareth Bale on the pitch is also highly likely, after a spell of inactivity due to his thigh and disc problems. Although he may not go the full 90, it is expected that he will play some minutes, as manager Carlo Ancelotti is wanting the Welsh international to be on top form for 'El Clásico' the following week against Barça.
Anything but the full three points against Málaga, who have not yet won away from home but have managed to grab three draws, would be a catastrophe for 'Los Blancos', who are presently 5 points apart from Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid in the league table.
