Angel di Maria has admitted that he would be prepared to sit out Real Madrid's next league match with Malaga rather than risk a possible suspension for the El Clasico one week later.
The Argentine picked up a booking in the 3-0 win over Levante on Sunday, meaning that he is now just one yellow card from a suspension.
Should that occur next week, then the attacker would miss the clash with Barcelona on March 23.
"I don't know, it's difficult to choose, but I would prefer not to play," Di Maria told AS.
"I always give it everything and I prefer not to risk it. The handball [against Levante] wasn't on purpose, but those are decisions the referees make. If I have to play in Malaga, I'll be a bit inhibited."
Los Blancos are currently three points clear at the top of La Liga.
