Real Madrid forward Rodrygo will miss the upcoming El Clasico against Barcelona due to injury, as confirmed by journalist Mario Cortegana.
The Brazilian winger, who started on the right side during Real Madrid’s match against Borussia Dortmund, was forced to leave the pitch before the end of the game after suffering what seems to be a hamstring injury.
This injury occurred just four days before the crucial El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu, making his absence a significant blow for Carlo Ancelotti’s squad.
What happened to Rodrygo?
Rodrygo felt discomfort in his right hamstring during a critical moment in the match, where he successfully retrieved a nearly lost ball, leading to Lucas Vazquez’s goal that completed Real Madrid’s 3-2 comeback against Dortmund.
Unfortunately, this effort came at a cost, and Rodrygo was replaced by Aurelien Tchouameni in the 85th minute after being unable to continue.
After being substituted, Rodrygo was seen with ice wrapped around his leg, a clear indication that the injury could be more serious than initially expected. This has led to concerns over how long he might be sidelined.
It is said that Real Madrid’s medical team plans to conduct further tests to determine the full extent of the injury.
While a preliminary assessment is scheduled for Wednesday, the more detailed MRI scan is set to take place on Thursday, which will provide a clearer understanding of how severe the injury is.
Time for a tactical switch
Rodrygo’s absence presents a challenge for Ancelotti, as the manager now has to rethink his tactical approach for El Clasico.
Without Rodrygo, Real Madrid may shift to a formation with an additional midfielder rather than sticking with a direct replacement in the forward position.
The uncertainty surrounding the starting eleven will undoubtedly be on the minds of both the coaching staff and fans ahead of this high-stakes encounter with Barcelona.
As it stands, Rodrygo’s absence could impact the team’s dynamics in what is always one of the most anticipated matches of the season.