Real Madrid superstar misses training before match vs Barcelona

The upcoming game between Real Madrid and Barcelona is extremely vital for the La Liga title race. As things stand, Xavi’s side are leading by nine points. But a win away at Camp Nou for Carlo Ancelotti’s team could make it wide open again. On the other hand, if they end up losing, it would be considered as good as over.

Real Madrid go into the game on a high note. They defeated Liverpool 1-0 in the second leg at Santiago Bernabeu and 6-2 on aggregate, to book their place in the last 8 of the Champions League. They will face Chelsea in the quarter-finals.

Barcelona have won two straight games against Real Madrid though, 3-1 in the Spanish Super Cup final and 1-0 away at Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi finals. Thus, the Catalan giants would have to considered as the favourites for the upcoming match.

On the other hand, Real Madrid have been handed another worry just days away from the game against Barcelona. As reported by MARCA, Karim Benzema did not train with the rest of the group two days before El Clasico. The Frenchman performed specific exercise inside the facilities.

Real Madrid superstar misses training days before match vs Barcelona

Benzema has been dealing with one fitness issue after another this season. As a result, he has had to spend several spells out on the sidelines in the ongoing campaign already.

One would only be hoping that this is a matter of the club trying to manage Benzema’s fitness, rather than a fresh worry. The expectation is that he will recover in time for the game against Barcelona at the weekend.

Other than Benzema, Real Madrid do not have any real back up going forward at the moment. Thus, if was to miss the game, Ancelotti might have to rely on Rodrygo to play in a false nine role again.