Real Madrid XI v Barcelona: Predicted squad for El Clasico, confirmed squad news and latest injury

Rodrigo missed Real’s La Liga game against Atletico Madrid with a groin problem and is a major doubt for Thursday’s El Clasico.

Carlo Ancelotti was without defenders Ferland Mendy and David Alaba due to leg muscle injuries.

All three started individual work earlier in the week, with Mendy returning to ball training after recovering from his knock in the final round of the Copa.

Nacho Fernandez could fill in at left-back in the duo’s absence, although Eduardo Camavinga is another option.

Upfront, Marco Asensio could continue if Rodrigo is unfit, but young striker Alvaro Rodriguez scored against Atletico to put himself in contention.

Madrid are poised to field a strong line-up for the first leg of the Clasico, which is unlikely to feature Eliaz Zidane, the fourth son of football legend Zinedine Zidane, despite the 17-year-old being called up for extensive training this week.

Real Madrid Prediction XI: Polite; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Nacho; Valverde, Chuameni, Modric; Asensio, Benzema, Vinicius Jr.