Real Madrid Dealt Major Blow Ahead of El Clásico as Rodrygo Sidelined for Three Weeks

Real Madrid have been dealt a hammer-blow, as reports suggest that 23-year-old winger Rodrygo could be sidelined for approximately three weeks. This means that the Brazilian will miss this weekend’s grudge match against Barcelona.

Real Madrid’s comeback victory against Borussia Dortmund was bitter-sweet for Madridistas. While Vinicius Junior staked his claim to this year’s Ballon d’Or with an incredible hattrick, his compatriot Rodrygo went down injured. He was unable to finish the game and was subsequently replaced by Aurelien Tchouameni in the 85th minute. Following the game, reports of Rodrygo missing this weekend’s El Classico against Barcelona started to swirl around. Unfortunately, Real Madrid have come out and confirmed the 23-year-old Brazilian will indeed miss the El Classico. In an official statement, Los Blancos stated, “Following tests carried out on our player Rodrygo Goes by the Real Madrid medical services today, he’s been diagnosed with an injury to the biceps femoris muscle in his right thigh. His recovery will be assessed.” 

While Real Madrid haven’t put a timeline on Rodrygo’s rehabilitation, several reports have claimed that he will be out of action for at least three weeks. According to reliable Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, “Rodrygo to miss El Clásico with a muscle injury in the right biceps femoris. He’s expected to be out for the next 20 days.” If such reports are true, then Rodrygo will miss Madrid’s next four games, which are against Barcelona, Valencia, AC Milan and Osasuna. Assuming his recovery stays on track, Rodrygo could make his comeback after the upcoming international break, just in time for Real Madrid’s clash against Leganés on 24th November.  

Besides injury to Rodrygo, Real Madrid will also miss the dominant presence of Thibaut Courtois in goal. The towering Belgian suffered another injury to his abductor, which had already ruled him out for almost three weeks this season. Despite this injury, Courtois played the full 90 minutes against Dortmund on Tuesday night. However, Los Blancos confirmed Courtois’ injury through a club statement which read, “Following tests carried out on our player Thibaut Courtois by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with an adductor injury in his left leg. His progress will be monitored.” Missing two key players is always tough, but their absence becomes even more daunting with Real Madrid facing a red-hot Barcelona side. With both Rodrygo and Courtois sidelined, could these injuries tip the balance in El Clasico?  

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