Neymar Reportedly May Miss El Clasico with Real Madrid After Barcelona Red Card

Neymar's red card for Barcelona against Malaga on Saturday could see him suspended for the upcoming El Clasico clash with Real Madrid.

Per the MailOnline's Amitai Winehouse, the Brazilian was dismissed for two yellow cards—the first for obstructing a free-kick by tying his laces next to the ball, the second for a foul on Diego Llorente—and applauded the fourth official as he exited the pitch.

That could warrant his one-match ban being extended to two or three games, which would result in the forward missing El Clasico on April 23.

Per Winehouse, Neymar's seemingly sarcastic applause was noted in referee Jesus Gil Manzano's match report, which could see him found guilty of having "shown contempt" toward a match official.

The Guardian's Sid Lowe and Football 365's Daniel Storey believe an extended ban would be harsh on Neymar:

Football journalist Rafael Hernandez said the 2-0 defeat against Malaga—which was at least partially as a result of going down to 10 men—has cost Barcelona the league title:

With Real drawing 1-1 against Atletico Madrid, the Blaugrana had the chance to pull level at the top of the table.

Los Blancos would still have had a game in hand, but with El Clasico fast approaching Barcelona could have used it to get their noses in front and put pressure on their rivals.

Barca can still keep their title hopes alive if they beat Real at the Santiago Bernabeu, but there's no doubt it was a costly defeat.

Getting a win would already have been a difficult task, and that will be made all the more so if Neymar is absent.

Arda Turan is perhaps the obvious choice to replace him, but his fitness could be in doubt—he missed the Malaga defeat and will be unavailable through injury against Juventus on Tuesday, per ESPN.co.uk.

Paco Alcacer could be brought in, but either he or Luis Suarez would have to be moved out wide, which is far from ideal, or Denis Suarez—who has typically played centrally this season—could cover there.

Whoever plays in Neymar's place won't be nearly as much of a threat—his absence would be a real blow to Barca's chances.

For more news, rumours and related stories about Neymar, Barcelona and La Liga, check out La Liga and Barcelona streams on Bleacher Report's app.