MADRID, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid hosts Atletico Madrid on Sunday in one of the most important Madrid derbies in recent years, with the result likely to have a major bearing on the outcome of this season's La Liga title race.
Both sides go into the match after qualifying for the Champions League quarterfinals in midweek. Real Madrid secured a 2-1 away win over 10-man Manchester City, while Atletico reached the last eight with a 7-5 aggregate victory despite losing 3-2 away to Tottenham.
Real Madrid received a boost on the injury front, with Kylian Mbappe returning as a second-half substitute in midweek, and coach Alvaro Arbeloa must now decide whether to risk the French forward's left knee from the start. Jude Bellingham could also feature after traveling to Manchester, although the England international ended up watching from the stands.
The bad news for Real Madrid was the muscle injury suffered by Thibaut Courtois, which will keep him out for at least six weeks, with Andriy Lunin set to replace the Belgian in goal.
Atletico will be able to start Alexander Sorloth, but coach Diego Simeone has injury concerns of his own. Defender Marc Pubill has suffered a rib injury, which likely cost him a first call-up to the Spain squad.
Midfielders Pablo Barrios and Rodrigo Mendoza are also unavailable, while first-choice goalkeeper Jan Oblak is a doubt with a side strain, although Juan Musso has shown himself to be a capable replacement.
The Madrid derby kicks off at 9 p.m. local time, by which point both teams will know the result of FC Barcelona's home game against Rayo Vallecano.
Barcelona goes into that match as the clear favorite, and if it takes all three points, Real Madrid would begin the derby seven points off the top of La Liga. Although morale is high in Arbeloa's squad after recent performances, the pressure would be intense, with anything other than a win leaving Madrid further adrift in the title race. ■
