Real Madrid received news that was quite worrying only days before El Clásico: their forward Rodrygo has an injury to a muscle in his right hamstring and is ruled out of the match with Barcelona. That absence has been confirmed after the medical exams, which at the same time means the validation of earlier reports from the Spanish press. He is out for as long as three weeks, which means he'll miss El Clásico and possibly other important matches for the team.
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The Moment of Injury: How It Happened
Rodrygo picked up an injury in the second half of Real Madrid's Champions League game with Borussia Dortmund. The Brazilian forward, who scored in the 2-1 triumph over Inter on matchday one, pulled up after sprinting in the 37th minute of the final half, and, immediately feeling discomfort in his leg, was forced to be substituted. While initially it was believed the injury was minor, the medical exams ruled him out of El Clásico because the injury was worse than thought.
Rodrygo, meanwhile, was optimistic and expressed thanks through social media for the love and support of fans: "Thanks for all the love and support! I'll have tests tomorrow, and with faith, this injury won't be a big deal. We keep pushing, always with you by my side. Hala Madrid!" Unfortunately, it was in an examination that brought down the hopes of any good news on recovery.
Team Impact
Rodrygo's absence is a significant blow to Real Madrid, especially when considering his influence on the attack. He has become an important piece in Ancelotti's tactical system by breaking defensive lines and developing important plays.
Rodrygo is an all-around player, a fast guy, good technically, and a finisher. But another important thing which may be added is how well he linked up with his Brazilian teammate Vinícius Júnior, really as an attacking duo and a nightmare for any opposition. Without him, Real Madrid would lose an important weapon in their attack against Barcelona.
Playing against an opponent that normally searches for the monopolizing of possession, Rodrygo would have been key to exploiting the spaces left in behind by Barça's defense, especially on counter-attacks. Without him, Real Madrid will have to find news ways to break through Barcelona's back line and create scoring chances.
Ancelotti's Challenge
Without Rodrygo, attacking is something which Carlo Ancelotti must remake. The Italian coach has been in such situations during the current season and especially before El Clásico, when he lost such an important player; that makes the task more difficult. That requires some tactical changes and creative solutions that will keep the offensive strength of this team.
While Real Madrid does have a talented squad, the absence of Rodrygo will be felt-mostly in the way this team will try to break down Barcelona's defense. The pressure now shifts to Vinícius Júnior to take even more of a leading role and become the main player to break down the defense of Barcelona, besides Kylian Mbappé.