MADRID, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- La Liga returns to action this weekend with a round of matches that could be affected by absent key players. Here are some things to look out for this weekend in Spain.

1 Big names missing

A combination of muscle injuries due to the hectic fixture schedule this season and positive test results for the coronavirus mean a lot of key players will miss out this weekend. Luis Suarez has to sit out his reencounter with FC Barcelona due to a positive test while on international duty. Lucas Torreira, Hector Herrera and Stefan Savic are also out for Atletico Madrid.

Sergio Busquets will be sidelined for Barca after picking up a knee injury with Spain, while Real Madrid will be without Sergio Ramos after he pulled a hamstring while on international duty. Real Madrid is also likely to be missing Karim Benzema, Eder Militao and Fed Valverde for their vital game away to Villarreal, while Betis have Sergio Canales and Nabil Fekir both out for their trip to face Athletic Club Bilbao on Monday.

2 Strike duo to add to tally against Real Madrid?

Villarreal's strikers Gerard Moreno and Paco Alcacer are currently the most effective attacking partnership in La Liga with nine league goals between them from nine games this season. They will fancy their chances of adding to that total against Real Madrid on Saturday.

Real Madrid will be without Sergio Ramos and Eder Militao; Fede Valverde's absence after cracking a bone in his shin also deprives Real Madrid of much-needed energy in midfield. Nacho Fernandez will probably partner Raphael Varane in defense and while Dani Carvajal and Casemiro should be back, both are lacking match fitness.

Real Madrid have shown an ability to overcome problems in the past, but after their defeat in Valencia, Zidane's players have a huge test.

3 Huge game for Atletico Madrid and Barca

If Atletico Madrid can beat FC Barcelona at home on Saturday evening, it would move Diego Simeone's side nine points clear of Barca and underline their potential to be real title contenders this season.

Atletico will miss Luis Suarez's goal-scoring talents and Suarez is certain to be frustrated to miss facing his former club after a positive for COVID-19. However, with Joao Felix in fine form and Marco Llorente also scoring vital goals, Simeone will still feel confident.

Barca may welcome Philippe Coutinho back after injury, and while the loss of Sergio Busquets may not be as vital as it would have been in the past, with Ansu Fati also sidelined, they need to see the best out of Leo Messi and also for Antoine Griezmann to hit form; otherwise, the league could start slipping away from them

4 Final chance for Garitano

Athletic Club Bilbao coach Gaizka Garitano survived his side's defeat to Valladolid before the international break when many expected him to be sacked after another poor performance, but it seems obvious the coach can't afford many more setbacks. Athletic play Betis on Monday knowing they have always beaten their rivals in the new San Mames stadium. The visitors will be without key players such as Aissa Mandi, Sergio Canales and Nabil Fekir.

Dani Garcia's absence with COVID-19 means Garitano will have to bring a more creative player into his side and that may just turn out to help rather than hinder the coach's efforts to turn his side's situation around. Enditem

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