Girona has left waiting for more than three potential absences for the clash at the top of the table with Real Madrid

Real Madrid hosts second-placed Girona on Saturday in one of the games of the season, as second-placed, two points behind Los Blancos, travel to the league leaders. Girona will be weakened, but how much is a question that awaits answers.

With five minutes to go in their 0-0 draw with Real Sociedad last Saturday night, Yangel Herrera picked up his fifth yellow card of the season, ruling him out of the Bernabeu clash. Meanwhile Daley Blind went to complain to referee Jesus Gil Manzano after the final whistle, and also picked up a suspension with his yellow card.

On the touchline, a furious Michel Sanchez lost his mind after a foul on La Real, in a game that saw Girona have a goal disallowed in highly controversial fashion. Despite Michel claiming that he did not say anything wrong to the fourth official, he too received a suspension with a red card.

Ace for Brandthe Catalan side will appeal to the cards given to Blind and Michel, in the hope of getting them rescinded. Gerona they felt that the sanctions by the referee were excessive in nature.

Girona are also sweating on the fitness of their goalscorer and La Liga in Artem Dovbyk, who missed the Real Sociedad clash with a knee injury. AS Diary they say that there is optimism in the camp of Girona about the physical form of Dovbyk, who is considered as only “a doubt” for the match. His presence could make the difference, adding a different and more physical element against a struggling Real Madrid defence.