Barcelona, Madrid wait on Messi, Ronaldo injuries

Barcelona and Real Madrid head into Saturday’s Spanish league matches waiting on injury worries to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Barcelona travels to third-place Villarreal with a five-point lead over Madrid but with Messi nursing a minor right leg injury. The Argentina forward’s problem, coupled with a number of other injured players, could leave the leaders short of a full squad.

Ronaldo is still bothered by a lower left leg injury and Madrid coach Jose Mourinho may not risk the Portugal forward against Sporting Gijon with a Champions League match against Tottenham on Tuesday.

Madrid is also likely to be without Karim Benzema, but Gonzalo Higuain could return to fill the France striker’s place.