Real Madrid suffer huge blow as key player set to miss El Classico against Barcelona: Reports

Real Madrid might be without Rodrygo in the El Clasico against Barcelona, according to a report by Mundo Deportivo. The game is scheduled to be played at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, October 26.

Rodrygo featured for Real Madrid in their 5-2 comeback victory against Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League last night. However, the Brazilian was substituted in the 85th minute after picking up what seemed to be a muscle injury.

As per BESOCCER, Rodrygo would undergo a series of tests in the coming days to determine the extent of the injury.

The Brazilian has been an important player, having featured in 13 games for Real Madrid this season, scoring three goals and providing two assists. His potential absence could be a big miss on the right-wing for the Los Blancos.

Arda Guler is one of the players that could be seen as a natural replacement for Rodrygo. The 19-year-old is primarily a right-winger, and he could also feature as an attacking midfielder.

Having registered 11 appearances in the 2024-25 campaign, Guler could replace Rodrygo in Real Madrid's starting XI. Alternatively, Carlo Ancelotti could tweak his formation to the usual 4-4-2 set up, with Vinicius and Mbappe leading the line in attack.

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Barcelona's defense would have to monitor Vinicius if they intend to defeat Real Madrid

RM v Borussia Dortmund - UEFA Champions League - Source: Getty

One player who could destroy a team's defensive set-up is Vinicius, and he has been efficient in recent weeks. The Brazilian has netted five goals in his last five games for Los Blancos.

Vinicius has proven to be a winger who could take on and dribble past his opponent in quick succession. In the same vein, he's a decent finisher that could score from range.

As such, Barcelona's defense would have to be solid and alert if they intend to keep Vinicius under wraps. As keeping the Brazilian under wraps could weaken Ancelotti's attack.

Barcelona's defense has only conceded 10 goals in the LaLiga this season, and it can be said that they've been impressive. Furthermore, Barcelona's attack has scored the highest number of goals in the league this season (33).

If Barcelona's defense can stop Vinicius from operating freely in attack, they have a decent chance of winning the EL Clasico.