In a positive development for Real Madrid, injured midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni is poised to make a comeback to team training by the end of the week.
FC Barcelona faced a tough 2-4 defeat at home against Catalan rivals Girona, who now lead the La Liga standings with a seven-point advantage.
Stefan Savic has vanished from the scene. The center-back, a stalwart in Diego Simeone's lineup whenever fit, has gone a month without minutes.
Real Madrid are buzzing with excitement over their young Brazilian prodigy, Endrick.
Barcelona goalkeeper Marc Andre ter Stegen will undergo a surgical procedure this week to address the lower back issues he is experiencing.
Ahead of Sunday's clash against Atletico Madrid, Barcelona faced a defensive setback as Inigo Martinez was pulled from the starting XI due to injury.