Real Madrid midfield star faces suspension risk heading into Girona clash | OneFootball

In a couple of hours, Real Madrid will lock horns with Girona away at Estadi Montilivi on Matchday 13 of La Liga.

Having seen Barcelona overtake them in the league table, the Merengues will be eager to grab all three points and reclaim the No. 1 spot.

Real Madrid go into the game with some notable absences, all of which are in the defence as Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Dean Huijsen, and Raul Asencio are unavailable.

With both Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger returning from injury, Xabi Alonso could be forced to field a makeshift centre-back tonight against Girona, with Aurelien Tchouameni being an option.

Tchouameni at suspension risk

Tchouameni is no stranger to playing at centre-back, having done so on many occasions in the past, especially under former manager Carlo Ancelotti.

However, irrespective of whether he plays in defence or midfield, the French international must stay focused and keep his discipline tonight, in order to avoid getting suspended for the all-important game against Athletic Club next week.

One booking away from suspension. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Indeed, Tchouameni could see an automatic one-match ban should he be shown a yellow card in tonight’s clash against Girona.

In just 11 appearances in La Liga this season, the 25-year-old midfielder has already received four bookings.

And another caution at Estadi Montilivi would take the tally to five, earning a one-match automatic suspension for accumulation of cards. It would lead to him missing the game against Athletic Club on Wednesday.

Considering that Real Madrid are already dealing with many absences due to injuries, losing Tchouameni, even for one game because of suspension, will be a blow.

As such, the former AS Monaco star will have to be careful on the pitch today as Real Madrid hope to beat Girona and reclaim pole position in the La Liga title race.