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EL CLÁSICO

El Clásico: Karim Benzema ruled out of Real Madrid-Barcelona clash

Benzema will miss El Clásico at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday and France's upcoming international matches.

Update:
MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 09: Karim Benzema of Real Madrid CF refreshes himself during the UEFA Champions League Round Of Sixteen Leg Two match between Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 09, 2022 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo
Gonzalo Arroyo MorenoGetty Images

Karim Benzema didn't train with Real Madrid on Saturday morning and will not be available for the game against Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday, due to a muscular complaint in his left calf.

Ruled out of El Clásico

Injured in Monday's 3-0 win over Mallorca after scoring a brace, Benzema will not make it in time for El Clásico, according to sources at the club.

The 34-year-old will also miss the upcoming matches with the French national team.

Madrid hoping to extend Clásico winning run

Madrid take on Barcelona in the final Clásico of the season, as they look to extend their 10-point lead at the top of LaLiga. The big question now is, who will replace Karim Benzema in the forward line?

Los Blancos have won their last five meetings with Barcelona in all competitions.

Ancelotti confirms Benzema's absence

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's clash, Carlo Ancelotti explained that Benzema would miss the game.

"Both he and Mendy can't play and won't go with France [international duty] either. They are staying in Madrid," Ancelotti said.

Would Benzema have played if it was a final?

"No, we have never risked anything. In Paris he didn't risk it, he played because he could. But not tomorrow, because he hasn't trained with the group. He still has some discomfort," he added.