Opponent watch: Real Betis to miss several key players for clash against Real Madrid | OneFootball

As Real Madrid prepare to travel to Real Betis on Tuesday for their Matchday 16 La Liga clash, they will be facing a significantly weakened opponent.

The table-toppers have been no strangers to injury woes with several players being struck down since the beginning of the season.

The pattern has been evidently repeating throughout the Spanish first division and Real Betis are also falling victim.

Seven players out for Betis

Manuel Pellegrini is grappling with a major personnel crisis ahead of this Saturday’s clash.

He is currently missing Marc Bartra, Claudio Bravo, Rodri, William Carvalho through injuries and Hector Bellerin through suspension.

Lots to think about for the Chilean. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Nabil Fekir has also been dealing with muscular discomfort and is in doubt for this Saturday.

To add to the pile, Argentine midfielder Guido Rodriguez has now suffered an ankle injury that could be quite serious.

He is entirely ruled out for this week, but early estimates claim that he may even miss around three months of action.

While unfortunate, Real Madrid will be relieved knowing they will face a slightly easier task as they look to keep their spot atop the standings.

Madrid, however, have a fairly long list of casualties of their own, even though there are no new issues.

Including Dani Carvajal’s calf injury that is set to sideline him for at least a month, Madrid will do well to keep their momentum up in the absence of eight important players.