Nacho: "We'd like to have the same amount of rest as Barcelona"

During an act in Madrid, Nacho Fernandez admitted that his team would like to have the same amount of rest as FC Barcelona going into the first Clasico of the season on the 18th December. 

"Any team would like to have the same amount of rest as their rival," Nacho admitted. Barça are currently set to have 29 hours extra time to recover before the two sides clash at the Camp Nou. 

Real Madrid will face Valencia at the Mestalla and before two days later going up to Barcelona to face Valverde's men. However, Nacho didn't want too much to be made of the situation. "The (difference in) hours isn't an excuse. We've got a squad that is good enough to take on that match and give us a great chance."

Nacho is recovering from injury alongside James Rodriguez and Gareth Bale, who were called up by their respective national teams despite not being involved at club level last month. "If they've been selected it's because they are ready to play."

"I would never question the professionalism of two players who have given their all every time they've put on this shirt," added Nacho. The defender is expected to rejoin full training next week.

Bale has faced heavy criticism over the past few weeks, mainly for daring to have a hobby that isn't football. "I don't know if they (the criticism) is fair, but Gareth is a strong person. He knows how to handle these situations and has the full support of his teammates and the coaching staff."