Real Madrid injury news: Los Blancos star set to miss El Clasico due to thigh problem

Real Madrid will reportedly almost certainly be without the services of Rodrygo for Saturday's La Liga game against Barcelona due to the thigh problem that he suffered against Borussia Dortmund.

The Brazil international had to be substituted in the 85th minute of Real Madrid's 5-2 victory, with Los Blancos head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirming after the match that the forward had suffered a muscular issue.

"He has a muscle injury. He had a spectacular run when the third goal was scored. It's a shame, but it is what it is," Ancelotti told reporters when questioned on the situation after the match.

According to AS, Rodrygo felt a sharp pain in his thigh shortly before being substituted, and it is expected that he will be missing when Los Blancos take on Barcelona in El Clasico this weekend.

A statement from Real Madrid is expected to arrive once a scan has been completed, and it is possible that he could be unavailable for selection until after the November international break.

Rodrygo likely to miss El Clasico through injury

The 23-year-old has again been a vital player for Real Madrid during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring three goals and registering two assists in 13 appearances in all competitions.

Los Blancos will enter Saturday's El Clasico off the back of a three-game winning run in all competitions, but they are second in the La Liga table, three points behind the leaders Barcelona.

Rodrygo's expected absence will force Ancelotti into a rethink when it comes to his side, and it is possible that an extra midfielder could be introduced into the starting XI for the contest with Barcelona.

Who will replace Rodrygo in the starting side?

Jude Bellingham's output has suffered this season due to the change of formation at Real Madrid, with the Englishman operating in a deeper position to accommodate Kylian Mbappe.

However, against Barcelona, Ancelotti could revert to the 4-3-1-2 formation that was so successful last season, which would allow Bellingham to play behind a front two of Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.

Federico Valverde could then be joined in midfield by Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga, with Luka Modric also expected to drop out of the side after starting against Dortmund.

Bellingham scored 23 goals and registered 13 assists in 42 appearances for Real Madrid last season following his arrival from Dortmund, including 19 goals in La Liga.

However, the 21-year-old is yet to score in 10 appearances in all competitions during the 2024-25 campaign, and he again found it difficult to show his best form against Dortmund.