Real Madrid vs Barcelona: Team news, injury concerns, potential lineup

Real Madrid will host Barcelona in La Liga’s first Clasico of the 2017-18 season on Saturday, December 23.
Barcelona have however, made the stronger start under new boss, Ernesto Valverde, this season.

Saturday’s Clasico could be vital in deciding the destination of the title, though, Madrid will look to take a home advantage.
For the LiLiga champions, Gareth Bale has made a couple of substitute appearances off the bench and should feature in that role again.
Third-choice goalkeeper Luca Zidane, is recovering from shoulder surgery and is the only definite absentee for Madrid.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo has been declared fit for the clash.

Potential starting XI: Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Isco; Benzema, Ronaldo.
For Barca, Samuel Umtiti (hamstring), who will not play again this year, while Ousmane Dembele is back in training but would not be rushed into this game.
Paco Alcacer is also out and Gerard Deulofeu is a doubt.
Rafinha looks set to play after an eight-month lay-off due to two knee surgeries.

Potential starting XI: Ter Stegen; Roberto, Pique, Vermaelen, Alba; Rakitic, Paulinho, Busquets, Iniesta; Messi, Suarez.