Real Madrid XI vs Barcelona: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, Rodrygo injury latest for Clasico | OneFootball

Thibaut Courtois and Rodrygo have been ruled out of Kylian Mbappe’s first Clasico

Real Madrid have been dealt with a big double blow ahead of facing Barcelona in the first Clasico of the season.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and forward Rodrygo will sit out the game due to injury.

Rodrygo was forced off with five minutes remaining on Tuesday's 5-1 comeback win over Borussia Dortmund and, according to reports in Spain, scans have confirmed a hamstring injury. Further scans are scheduled for the Brazilian to confirm a more exact timeframe for the injury, but Saturday's Clasico will come too soon.

Jude Bellingham could be moved into a more advanced role to replace Rodrygo, with Aurelien Tchouameni or Eduardo Camavinga lining up in midfield. Kylian Mbappe, who is set for his first Clasico and Ballon d’Or favourite Vinicius Jr will complete the front three.

Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe

AFP via Getty Images

Courtois, meanwhile, has been ruled out for up to three weeks with a thigh injury despite playing the full 90 minutes against BVB.

Andriy Lunin will deputise against Barcelona, just as he did last season and the year before. The Ukrainian has twice played Madrid's fierce rivals, and won both games.

David Alaba and Dani Carvajal have already been ruled out, with Brahim Diaz a doubt, but midfielder Tchouameni is back in contention after making his return from injury against Dortmund.

Predicted Real Madrid XI: Lunin; Vazquez, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy; Tchouameni, Camavinga, Valverde; Bellingham, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr

Doubts: Diaz

Injured: Courtois, Rodrygo, Alaba, Carvajal

Time and date: 8pm BST on Saturday, October 26, 2024

Venue: Santiago Bernabeu

TV channel and live stream: Premier Sports 1 UK and Premier Sports GB Player