Team News: Rodrygo, Federico Valverde start for Real Madrid against Barcelona

Rodrygo and Federico Valverde have both been selected in the Real Madrid XI for Sunday evening's La Liga clash with Barcelona at Bernabeu.

Karim Benzema misses the match with a calf problem, and it appears that head coach Carlo Ancelotti has decided to select a front two, with Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo operating in the final third of the field.

There is no Marco Asensio in the home side's XI for El Clasico, with Valverde introduced into the midfield alongside Casemiro, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.

Ferland Mendy is also unavailable for selection due to a muscular problem, which has opened the door for Nacho to start at left-back for the home side.

Ancelotti said at his press conference that Gareth Bale was an option to replace Benzema in the starting side, but the Wales international is not in the squad tonight.

Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic, Isco and Mariano Diaz are also all on the bench for Real Madrid, who are currently 10 points clear of second-placed Sevilla at the top of the La Liga table.

REAL MADRID XI: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Nacho; Valverde, Kroos, Casemiro, Modric; Vinicius, Rodrygo

> Click here to see how Barcelona will line up for this clash