Real Madrid's preparations for the highly anticipated El Clasico against Barcelona have been dealt a significant blow, with Brazilian forward Rodrygo sidelined due to a thigh injury. The club confirmed on Thursday that Rodrygo had suffered a muscle injury to his right femoral biceps during their 5-2 Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund earlier this week. The injury is expected to keep him out of action for approximately three weeks, according to reports from Spanish media, ruling him out of one of the biggest fixtures of the season.
Rodrygo's absence will be a major setback for Los Blancos, as the 23-year-old played a pivotal role in Real Madrid's dramatic comeback win against Dortmund. His persistence kept the ball in play, leading to a crucial assist for Lucas Vazquez that helped Madrid regain the lead after being 2-0 down. The Brazilian forward was subsequently substituted after his contribution, and tests later revealed the extent of his injury.
Real Madrid, who are aiming to maintain their dominance in La Liga and the Champions League, will have to adjust their plans in the absence of one of their key attacking players. Rodrygo's speed, creativity, and finishing have been essential to Madrid's success this season, and his absence leaves a gap in Carlo Ancelotti's lineup ahead of the clash with their arch-rivals.
In addition to Rodrygo's injury, Real Madrid will also be without their first-choice goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, who is nursing an adductor injury sustained in the same match against Dortmund. The Belgian shot-stopper will likely be replaced by Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, who will be tasked with keeping Barcelona at bay in one of the most fiercely contested fixtures in world football.
Meanwhile, Barcelona is coming into the game with momentum after a commanding 4-1 victory over Bayern Munich, where Raphinha stole the show with a sensational hat-trick. With both teams missing key players, the stakes are high, and the result of this weekend’s El Clasico could have a significant impact on the La Liga title race.
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