MADRID, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- La Liga returns to action this weekend after the international break with Real Madrid leading the standings ahead of FC Barcelona just a week before the two sides meet in the first 'Clasico' of the season. Here are four things to look forward to this weekend in Spain.
1. Mbappe to fly in Getafe
When Kylian Mbappe limped out of France's win at home to Azerbaijan on October 10 with an ankle problem, the hearts of Real Madrid fans must have sunk, given that he had been struggling with the same problem before the break.
Fortunately for Madrid, the tests revealed no serious damage and the forward should be able to face Getafe this weekend, which is good news for Real Madrid and bad news for Getafe, given that he has scored nine goals in eight La Liga matches this season.
Mbappe's pace will be key against a rival that has no problems in sacrificing possession to defend deep and close down spaces, while his ability to beat a defender or draw a foul is likely to be a big factor in a game where Real Madrid should have the lion's share of the ball.
2. Balancing act for Hansi Flick
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has a delicate balancing act to carry out in the next week as his side plays Girona and then Olympiakos ahead of its visit to Real Madrid.
Injuries to Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski have robbed him of two important players, but also of options when it comes to squad rotation.
Lamine Yamal should be fit after missing out on the international break, but his pelvic injury needs to be looked after, while Raphinha's fitness is also a doubt, and Ferran Torres also dropped out of the Spain squad with muscle fatigue which implies he won't be able to play 90 minutes in every game.
Flick needs those players and the irreplaceable Pedri at their best in Madrid next weekend, so he will have to manage their minutes over the next two games.
3. Ayoze back in time to face former club
Ayoze Perez should be fit to play for third-placed Villarreal at home to fourth-placed Real Betis on Saturday in what should be a test of both sides' credentials this season.
Injury has limited Ayoze at the start of the season, but the forward, who scored 19 league goals last campaign, is still a key player for Marcelino Garcia Toral.
New signings such as Tajon Buchanon, Georges Mitautadze and Tani Oluwaseyi have given Villarreal greater depth in attack and covered the loss of Alex Baena and Yeremy Pino, but Ayoze's return gives Villarreal a player to run at the heart of rival defenses and score a lot of goals.
4. Serendipity for Rego
Athletic Club's season has not been helped by injuries to key players such as winger Nico Williams and midfielders Benat Prados, Oihan Sancet and Mikel Vesga, but every cloud has a silver lining and in this case, young midfielder Alejandro Rego has started to get first-team minutes.
Rego impressed away to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League and then scored the winning goal in Athletic's last match, against Mallorca.
The tall 22-year-old controls the middle of the pitch, winning possession and using the ball well and can also step forward in attack, and he is likely to get another chance to confirm his promise away to Elche on Saturday. ■
