MADRID, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Matchday 15 in La Liga sees the top-three sides playing relatively accessible rivals, while things are starting to get nervous in the bottom half of the table. Here are some things to look forward to this weekend in Spain.

1. Yamal back for Barcelona

Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal has been forced to sit out his side's last three games with an ankle problem, but he will be back in the squad for his side's home game against Las Palmas.

Barca dropped five points in the first two matches that the 17-year-old missed, slipping to a 1-0 defeat away to Real Sociedad before allowing Celta Vigo to come back from 2-0 down for a draw last weekend, but it was much better with a 3-0 UEFA Champions League win over Brest in midweek.

Coach Hansi Flick will no doubt be keen to bring Yamal back into his side, but the injury is a warning against overplaying such a young player and Flick may be tempted to start him on the bench for at least the first 45 minutes.

2. Injuries biting Real Madrid as Mbappe struggles to adapt

Real Madrid's continued injury crisis got worse on Tuesday as it lost 2-0 away to Liverpool, with midfielder Eduardo Camavinga suffering a hamstring injury that threatens to sideline him for a month.

Forwards Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo are also out, along with defenders Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal and David Alaba, and coach Carlo Ancelotti must be worried about the physical toll that the season is taking on his players.

He will also be worried about the form of Kylian Mbappe, who had a nightmare display in Liverpool, missing a penalty and looking short of form and confidence despite playing in his preferred role on the left.

Getafe could provide a chance for Mbappe to get his scoring boots on, but the longer Sunday's visitor can hold on, the more the tension will grow.

3. Can Athletic Club overcome Europa League hangover in Vallecas?

Athletic Club, currently sitting fifth, would probably be in the top four if it hadn't dropped points following Thursday's UEFA Europa League games.

Athletic hasn't won any weekend matches directly after playing in Europe, with three draws and a defeat, with those points dropped against sides such as Real Valladolid.

Coach Ernesto Valverde has a full squad available for Sunday's visit to play Rayo Vallecano in the Vallecas Stadium and needs his players to end what has become a frustrating habit that is costing vital points.

4. Tension starting to rise at the wrong end of the table

The battle to avoid relegation this season looks as if it is going to be close, with seven teams separated by just five points.

Real Valladolid coach Paulo Pezzolano looks to be in danger of the sack after being jeered by fans after last weekend's defeat to Getafe, and a home game against Atletico Madrid doesn't look like the ideal launchpad for recovery.

Luis Garcia is also under increasing pressure at Alaves after seven defeats in its last eight matches and if his team doesn't beat Leganes, he could also be in trouble, while four consecutive defeats for second-bottom side Espanyol puts its coach Manolo Gonzalez under the spotlight ahead of his side's game at home to Celta Vigo. Enditem

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