Carlo Ancelotti intimated that he has a starting XI for the match against Barcelona, although he would be without two of his regulars at the Bernabéu.
Fans all across the world will be watching Real Madrid and Barcelona slug it out. The Clásico, which takes place on Sunday, is by far the most important game in Spanish football and one of the most eagerly anticipated by fans all over the globe. Last year's match drew a global audience of over 2.5 billion people, and this year's event will be televised live exclusively on ESPN in the United States - find out how to tune in here.
In his press conference on Saturday, Carlo Ancelotti delivered the awful news: Karim Benzema would not be risked against Barcelona on Sunday. He's been complaining of aches in his left calf muscle and has been training separately, which was a clear sign he wouldn't be back in time for El Clásico. Benzema will also not be available for the next friendlies against Ivory Coast in Marseille on March 25 and South Africa in Lille four days later. He will instead remain in Madrid to ensure a complete recuperation.
The issue of the left-back
In the match against Barça, Ancelotti will be missing another first-team starter - left-back Ivan Rakitic. Férland Mendy suffered a groin injury in the previous league match against Mallorca and is anticipated to miss another week. The most likely option for filling his spot is for Nacho to cover the left side, with Alaba and Milito in central defense and Dani Carvajal on the right wing. Another option would be to move Alaba to left-back and team Nacho and Milito in the center, but it seems doubtful that the coach will break up his normal centre-back pairing after such a successful season - especially for such a crucial game. Marcelo is also on the roster, but he would struggle to keep up with Barça's tempo, so he is unlikely to start.
Aside from that, Ancelotti has a completely fit team for the encounter, having used all 24 of his available players. Casemiro is one booking away from completing a cycle, and if he gets booked on Sunday, he will be suspended for the following game, against Celta at Balados on April 2nd. He is the lone member of the Madrid squad who is on the verge of being suspended.