Angel Di Maria has said he’d rather not be picked to play Malaga as another booking would rule him out of the Clasico.
Di Maria was shown a yellow card for handball in Madrid’s 3-0 win over Levante on Sunday, his fourth caution of the season.
Another booking against Malaga would rule him out of the following week’s game against Barcelona and Di Maria confirmed to reporters it was already on his mind.
“It’s difficult to choose but I would prefer not to play,” Di Maria replied when asked if he would rather sit out against Malaga than risk suspension.
“I always give everything and would prefer not to risk it.
“The handball wasn’t on purpose but those are the decisions referees make.
“If I have to play in Malaga I’ll be inhibited.”
Levante were unhappy with the red card shown to David Navarro for a challenge on Cristiano Ronaldo in the second half but Di Maria declined to comment extensively on the decision.
“It was a strong challenge. I don’t know if it was a red card,” was all the Argentine would say.
Di Maria was more forthcoming on Madrid’s form after the victory gave Los Blancos a three-point lead at the top of the table over Atletico Madrid and four from Barca.
“We’ve got fuel in the tank. It’s full right now and working really well,” Di Maria said.
“After going top things have gone better. We have to continue that way for the Clasico. I hope we can win the treble.”
