New Delhi: Real Madrid have been gradually recovering key players ahead of El Clasico but just before the crucial showdown they have suffered another setback. Alongside David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, and Thibaut Courtois, in all possibility, Brahim Diaz and now Rodrygo are likely to miss the highly anticipated clash against Barcelona.
The 23-year-old sustained a late hamstring injury in Madrid’s 5-2 Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday night and was forced to leave the pitch in the final five minutes. Aurelien Tchouameni replaced Rodrygo after being unable to continue.
The injury occurred just four days before their crucial fixture against their arch-rivals Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu marking his absence will definitely give a significant blow to Carlo Ancelotti’s squad.
🚨⚠️ Rodrygo has suffered an injury as tests have confirmed today, he will NOT be available for El Clásico. pic.twitter.com/9EqCR1pylT
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 23, 2024
The injury is surely more serious than initially expected. It is said that Real Madrid’s medical staff intends to carry out additional tests to assess the severity of the injury. A preliminary evaluation is planned for Wednesday followed by a comprehensive MRI scan on Thursday which will offer a clearer insight into the injury’s seriousness.
The Brazilian striker has played 13 matches for Los Blancos this campaign including all 10 of their La Liga fixtures although in only six of them, he started for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
What next for Madrid?
Rodrygo’s absence will pose a significant challenge for Carlo Ancelotti, compelling him to reassess his tactical strategy for El Clasico. With the young winger sidelined Real Madrid may consider adopting a formation that features an additional midfielder rather than opting for a direct replacement in the forward line as none of the replacements Tchounameni or Eduardo Camavinga have started against Dortmund.
The tactical shift will introduce uncertainty regarding the starting eleven weighing heavily on the minds of both the coaching staff and supporters as they prepare for this crucial clash with Barcelona. Madrid already trails Barca by three points at the top of La Liga while a home win would see them move to the top of the standings.
Rodrygo’s injury could alter the team’s dynamics and affect their attacking fluidity in one of the season’s most anticipated fixtures against their arch-rivals. Ancelotti will need to leverage his squad’s depth and creativity to compensate for the loss and ensure Madrid remains competitive for the upcoming derby.
