Will Real Madrid forward Rodrygo be back in time for El Clásico?

There is a very real possibility of Rodrygo Goes making it into Real Madrid’s squad for Thursday’s Clásico with Barcelona. Madrid’s physios have been travelling to his home to intensify the sessions, adding work to what was already being done in the mornings at Valdebebas. And so much effort is paying off: Rodrygo is now aiming to be fit for the Clásico. This morning was key. He was going to test himself, it was the moment of all or nothing. And he was able to do the whole session with the group.

The Brazilian suffered a “tear in the piramidal muscle of the left gluteus” at Anfield. It was nothing serious, but it did require a 10-day recovery period. It was unfortunate for him that it happened on the eve of El Clásico. The timetable was very tight: with a bit of luck and a lot of rehabilitation work, those 10 days could be reduced to 7 or 8 days. A lot of effort has been put into this and, for the moment, it is being achieved. The plan is as follows: tomorrow he will repeat today’s routine and, if he finishes the session without a hint of pain, he will make the squad.

Álvaro Rodríguez in first-team squad

If Rodrygo experiences any symptoms of a possible relapse, however small, he will not be risked. That is something that Carlo Ancelotti has been repeating for years with all his players. A player at 99% does not play. But the feelings are positive and a ‘relapse’ tomorrow would be strange. Independently, Carletto continues to call up Álvaro Rodríguez and he is also in the squad. The only certain absentees are David Alaba and Ferland Mendy - neither of whom will return until after the international break.