MADRID – Gareth Bale was included in Real Madrid’s 20-man squad for Sunday’s potential La Liga decider against Barcelona.
However, Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane was evasive on whether the Welshman would be fit to start after missing Madrid’s last two games.
Bale has been sidelined by an inflammation of the muscles around where he suffered ligament damage in his right ankle that kept him out for three months earlier in the season.
“He will be with us tomorrow,” said Zidane.
“You will see tomorrow what team we are going to start with.”
Madrid are in a commanding position as they look to seal a first La Liga title in five years.
Zidane’s men hold a three-point lead and also have a game in hand over Barcelona, but he insisted Madrid don’t feel like favourites, even with 85 000 at the Santiago Bernabeu behind them.
“We are not favourites. Maybe people looking from the outside can think that one team is more favourites than others.
“But we know we are playing a great team, and we will prepare well.”
Madrid are also in higher spirits as they overcame Bayern Munich in a Champions League classic 4-2 on Tuesday to progress to the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, Barca’s Champions League hopes were ended as Juventus held on to their 3-0 first leg lead in a 0-0 draw at the Camp Nou on Wednesday.
“If we think that we will be mistaken,” added Zidane on whether Barca’s confidence will have been shaken.
“They are a team that has shown what they can do throughout the season, and won’t feel the pressure of playing at the Bernabeu.”
Zinedine Zidane talks during a press conference on Saturday. Photo: Sergio Perez, Reuters
Barcelona boss Luis Enrique said he has prepared for his last El Clasico with or without star forward Neymar.
The Brazilian is expected to serve the second of a three-game ban for his red card and subsequent sarcastic applause of the officials in Barca’s 2-0 defeat to Malaga a fortnight ago.
However, the club have explored every option to have him available.
An appeal to Spain’s Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAD) was deliberately delayed until after the court’s normal Friday meeting to decide on appeals in the hope that would automatically see the ban suspended.
However, TAD could still call an emergency meeting on Saturday, and, even if they don’t, Barca would risk being sanctioned with defeat for fielding an ineligible player should Neymar feature.
“I think the club are correct in their position to defend the club’s interests,” said Enrique, who is leaving Barca at the end of the season.
“As a coach, I am prepared to play with Neymar or without him.”
Barca trail Madrid by three points at the top of La Liga and have played a game more than their title rivals.
And Enrique accepted Barca’s hopes of a third straight title depend on winning at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“Given how close it is to the end of the season, it is a decisive weekend,” he added.
“This time a Clasico can decide or almost decide the league, or leave it very open.
“For us it is like a final, only a win will do.”
Barca were dumped out of the Champions League by Juventus in midweek, but Enrique believes his players should see the chance to bounce straight back against Madrid as an opportunity rather than extra pressure.
Luis Enrique hopes his Barcelona outfit can cope with or without Neymar. Photo: Quique Garcia, EPA
“For some, it means it is a very attractive challenge and for others, it means pressure,” he added.
“I prefer to take it as an attractive and marvellous challenge. It’s a chance to move level on points with Madrid.”