Real Madrid’s preparations for Saturday’s highly anticipated El Clasico against Barcelona have been dealt a significant blow, as Brazilian forward Rodrygo and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois are confirmed absences due to injuries sustained during the recent Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund.
In a statement released on Thursday, Real Madrid confirmed Rodrygo’s thigh injury, which he suffered during the 5-2 comeback win over Dortmund on Tuesday.
“Following the tests carried out today… he has been diagnosed with a muscle injury in the right femoral biceps,” the club disclosed, pointing to a potentially extended recovery period.
Spanish media reports indicate the 23-year-old is likely to be sidelined for approximately three weeks, ruling him out of El Clasico as well as several upcoming matches.
Rodrygo’s absence is a notable setback for Real Madrid, given his instrumental role in the team’s remarkable turnaround against Dortmund. With Madrid trailing 2-0, Rodrygo’s deft touch and quick play kept the ball in bounds, allowing Lucas Vazquez to score the pivotal goal that shifted the game’s momentum.
The European champions rode that surge to ultimately secure a 5-2 victory. However, shortly after his decisive contribution, Rodrygo was substituted, and subsequent tests confirmed the severity of his injury.
Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid’s star Belgian goalkeeper, will also be unavailable for Saturday’s showdown due to an adductor injury sustained in the same game. In his absence, Real is expected to field Ukrainian backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, who will face the daunting task of defending against a potent Barcelona offense. Courtois’ absence is another blow for Madrid, as his reliability and experience have been key in securing points during high-stakes matches.
Barcelona, meanwhile, approaches this El Clasico with high confidence, coming off an impressive 4-1 victory over Bayern Munich on Wednesday. Brazilian forward Raphinha emerged as the star in that encounter, delivering a stunning hat-trick and affirming his form ahead of Spain’s biggest club rivalry match. This decisive win has Barcelona poised to challenge their historic rivals in what promises to be a fiercely contested fixture.
Saturday’s El Clasico will mark the first of the season, with Real Madrid facing a challenging lineup change without two of their mainstays. Rodrygo’s absence could put pressure on Madrid’s offense to fill the creative void left by the Brazilian, while Lunin will need to step up in goal to offset Courtois’ absence. Fans can anticipate a tactical showdown at the Bernabeu as both teams strive to claim early bragging rights in La Liga’s title race.
