Real Madrid's Clásico injury report: Benzema, Rodrygo, Mendy

Update, 16 March: Mendy ruled out of Clásico, Madrid to wait and see on Benzema

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has been given encouraging initial news on Karim Benzema, Rodrygo Goes and Ferland Mendy’s fitness to play in Sunday’s Clásico against Barcelona, after they each limped out of Monday’s win over Real Mallorca.

Preliminary tests indicate that none of the trio picked up serious injuries in the 3-0 victory at Son Moix, which left Madrid 10 points clear at the top of LaLiga. They will all undergo further examinations this week and, if given the green light, would rejoin full training ahead of the weekend clash at the Bernabéu.

Two-goal Benzema picks up calf issue

Benzema is the source of greatest concern at Madrid, although he sought to play down fears over his fitness as he left the stadium. The forward, LaLiga’s top scorer with 22 goals, felt pain in his calf muscle after netting his second of the night, and Los Blancos’ third. As was the case against Elche in late January, the Frenchman asked to come off. Having made all five permitted substitutions, Madrid were forced to end the game with 10 men.

On Wednesday, once the swelling in his calf has died down, Benzema will have a scan to ascertain the exact extent of the problem.

Rodrygo forced off after robust Raíllo challenge

Rodrygo also looked to calm Madrid fans’ worries after he had to be helped from the pitch with 20 minutes to go, following a heavy tackle by Antonio Raíllo. The Mallorca defender caught Rodrygo’s ankle when he arrived late into a 50-50 challenge, leading to early fears that the Brazilian had suffered a broken bone.

However, the forward was later seen leaving Son Moix without the need for crutches or assistance from the medical staff, and tweeted that he appears to have escaped with no more than a "heavy knock". He is currently resting at home, ahead of further checks at Madrid's Valdebebas training ground.

Mendy substituted as precaution after feeling groin discomfort

Finally, Mendy was replaced with 10 minutes remaining after hurting the adductor muscle in his groin. The left-back opted to come straight off, to avoid exacerbating the problem, and is also resting up before undergoing a more detailed scan.

With five days to go until the Clásico, a good deal of time remains for all three players to return to full fitness. A win over their arch rivals would take Madrid a giant stride closer to their 35th Spanish league title…