Barcelona defender Javier Mascherano will be free to play against Real Madrid after only being handed a two-match ban for his verbal altercation with a match official.
Mascherano, 31, was sent off during Barcelona’s 3-1 victory over Eibar at the weekend and it had been feared he would receive a four-match ban, which would rule him out of the first El Clasico of the season next month.
However, the Argentina international will now only miss Barcelona’s away trip to Getafe and the visit of Villarreal.
The news will be a huge boost for Luis Enrique, who will be banking on Mascherano to disrupt Madrid’s frontline with his ability to break up play.
In fact, the versatile defender has made at least eight more tackles and interceptions combined than any of his teammates in the league this season (35).
For more stats on Javier Mascherano, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
