Which Real Madrid players will miss El Clasico? Team news vs Barcelona in Copa del Rey
The Copa del Rey draw has been kind to us this year with El Clásico rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid facing off over two legs for a place in the competition's showpiece event.
Los Blancos overcame Atletico Madrid in the previous round to advance into the last four, but they were held by their crosstown rivals in La Liga at the weekend which meant they only gained a point on Barcelona at the top of the table.
It hasn't been plain sailing for Carlo Ancelotti's side this term, and while the Copa del Rey probably doesn't sit atop the club's priorities, plenty of supporters would like to see their side return to the final of this competition for the first time since 2014. However, they must bypass their fiercest rivals to do so.
Here's the latest Real Madrid team news ahead of Thursday's first leg.
Real Madrid suspension news vs Barcelona
Players garner a one-game suspension should they pick up three yellow cards in the competition. However, no Real Madrid players have done so thus far, nor did any receive a red card in the previous round.
Real Madrid injury news vs Barcelona
Real's 5-2 victory at Liverpool may have been memorable, but the contest took its toll on Ancelotti's squad. Both David Alaba and Rodrygo picked up injuries in the win, but the latter could return to action on Thursday after missing the Madrid derby.
Alaba, however, is expected to be out for a month with a hamstring issue. With Ferland Mendy also sidelined, Nacho Fernandez is poised to deputise at left-back.
Luka Modric was a used substitute at the weekend and should return to Ancelotti's XI on Thursday. He could be joined in midfield by Aurelien Tchouameni, who has been struggling with the flu. The Frenchman's return will likely see either Dani Ceballos or Marco Asensio drop to the bench.
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