Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema will miss Sunday evening's El Clasico with Barcelona at Bernabeu.

Benzema picked up a calf problem during the 3-0 win over Mallorca on Monday and therefore emerged as a major doubt for the contest with Barcelona in the Spanish capital.

Various reports claimed that the France international has a 40% chance of being fit, but he was not training with his teammates on Saturday morning and will sit the match out, so Isco could play as a false nine.

Rodrygo has been passed fit after picking up an ankle issue against Mallorca, but there will be no Ferland Mendy for the league leaders, with the Frenchman out due to a muscular problem.

Mendy's absence will open the door for Nacho to start at left-back, but there are not expected to be any shocks when it comes to the starting side this weekend.

Indeed, Marco Asensio should return to the starting XI on the right, while Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro are expected to continue as the midfield three.

The only major talking point ahead of kickoff had been Benzema's involvement; Isco is perhaps the main option to feature as a false nine, but Gareth Bale, Luka Jovic and Mariano Diaz are also options to play at centre-forward this weekend.

Real Madrid possible starting lineup: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Nacho; Kroos, Casemiro, Modric; Asensio, Isco, Vinicius

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