Rodrygo, who has been one of Real Madrid’s most improved players this season, trained with the team and is close to returning to the squad.
Share:Real Madrid is preparing to face off against Barcelona in the upcoming El Clasico, with the highly anticipated match providing a solid opportunity for the club to secure a spot in the Copa del Rey final. Xavi Hernandez’s Barcelona team will be without some of their key players on the night, making a big enough lead in the first leg crucial to secure the tie.
Despite Barcelona’s weakened squad, Real Madrid is not without its own concerns. David Alaba, Ferland Mendy, and Rodrygo Goes continue to be injured, with the latter’s participation in the match uncertain. However, according to reports from journalist Jose Luis Sanchez, Rodrygo trained with the first team today and is inching closer to a return.
The young Brazilian has been one of Real Madrid’s most improved players this season, making crucial contributions on the biggest of stages. Notably, he scored against Barcelona earlier this season when the two teams met at the Santiago Bernabeu.
While his availability for the El Clasico may not have a significant impact on the starting lineup, as the manager will likely avoid starting him immediately after an injury, he could come off the bench as an impact substitute.
Instead, Carlo Ancelotti will likely deploy Federico Valverde as the right-winger against Barcelona. The Uruguayan international has a solid history against the Catalans and will undoubtedly look to menace the weakened opposition.
Real Madrid will need to remain focused and disciplined to secure a win in the upcoming El Clasico, as they prepare for a second leg of the semifinal scheduled to take place at the Camp Nou in early April. The two rivals will also meet in a La Liga clash on March 19th, making for a highly anticipated few weeks of football.