Diarra A Doubt For The Derby

International matches are always a worry for club teams and it seems as though Bernd Schuster could be the latest manager to be hit by the 'FIFA Virus' after Mahamadou Diarra limped off at the weekend and is now a doubt for the derby.

Players coming back from international matches injured isn't exactly a new phenomenon but it appears to be becoming more and more frequent these days than in the past.

In Spain in particular, where the media have branded it the 'FIFA Virus', it is a real problem and it appears that Real Madrid are going to be troubled by it as they prepare to face arch rivals Atlético Madrid.

Midfielder Mahamadou Diarra is the player in doubt after he limped off during Mali's victory over Chad at the weekend and then phoned his club to say he was worried. Speaking after the match to Spanish newspaper AS he said, "I injured myself on my own, I was running and wanted to change direction to get the ball and at that moment I felt a pain in my right knee."

"I wanted to continue playing, thinking I was going to recover but after some minutes I asked for the change."

If Diarra is indeed out it will more than likely be Fernando Gago who replaces him, although Rubén De La Red could come in if Guti makes the team as well. The Malian international is flying back to Madrid to have the injury assessed but he doesn't sound too hopeful.

"I did not want to risk anything because I know that, for the derby next Saturday, Schuster, my team-mates and the fans count on me. I am very worried though, my knee is hurting today [yesterday] even more so than when I left the game. I am limping," he concluded.