Real Madrid are facing a couple of challenging injury setbacks ahead of the highly anticipated El Clásico against Barcelona at 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 23.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti will be without forward Rodrygo, who sustained a muscular injury during the team’s impressive 5-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Rodrygo was substituted for Aurelien Tchouameni in the 85th minute of the intense UEFA Champions League clash, and subsequent tests confirmed that he will be unable to participate in this weekend’s match.
In addition, the club announced on Wednesday, October 23, that first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has been diagnosed with an adductor injury in his left leg, following his appearance in the same Champions League match.
A statement from Real Madrid’s medical team noted, “Following tests carried out on our player Thibaut Courtois by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with an adductor injury in his left leg. His progress will be monitored.”
Despite these challenges, Real Madrid sits in second place on the La Liga table, just three points behind leaders Barcelona. The team will need to rally together and find strength in their depth as they prepare for this crucial encounter at the Santiago Bernabeu.