A crucial La Liga clash is on the cards for Real Madrid as they host Espanyol on Saturday night. Real Madrid could lock up the title early if they can separate themselves from Porto, however, star Gareth Baley is an unexpected absentee, rumored to have suffered a back injury, but the Spanish media is questioning this, speculating that the 32-year-old Welsh international may be disillusioned by the expiration of his contract and is unwilling to play for Real Madrid again.
Real Madrid will face Manchester City in the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinals next midweek, and are expected to rotate their squad in the league to rest some of their starters. It was expected that Gareth Barry would take this opportunity to show his value, however, he didn't even make the bench.
According to Spanish newspaper As, Garif Bali felt back pain and was not fit to participate in the game, so he fell out of the list of the army. However, the local media are skeptical, arguing that only he knows in his own heart whether Bally's back pain is real or not, as he also refused to play against Barcelona last month on the grounds of back pain.
With only 290 minutes played for Real Madrid this season, Galif Bali has become dispensable for the team. It is believed that coach Carlo Ancelotti is not too concerned about his absence.
