A Real Madrid star who has been linked with Manchester City reportedly chose not to play in El Clasico.
The star was an unused substitute as Real Madrid suffered a 4-3 defeat away to Barcelona, who are now seven points ahead of them at the top of LaLiga.
It is claimed that the individual wasn’t willing to feature as he didn’t feel he had the energy or state of mind to play. He had previously been struggling with illness but was involved in training prior to the fixture.
Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick for Real but it wasn’t enough to prevent Barcelona from securing all three points.
Eric Garcia and Lamine Yamal got on the scoresheet for Barcelona, with Raphinha hitting a brace.
With just three games remaining, Real look set to miss out on the league title.
A Real Madrid player chose not to feature against Barcelona amid interest from Man City
Rodrygo, who has been linked with City, chose not to play against Barcelona, as reported by Marca.
The winger has been at Real since 2019 but his time at the club may soon be coming to an end.
Rodrygo could attract interest from several Premier League clubs if he elects to depart.
It is anticipated that the Brazilian would have replaced Arda Guler in the starting lineup against Barcelona had he been at his sharpest.
Prior to the game Real boss Carlo Ancelotti had suggested that Rodrygo could feature as he said: ‘Rodrygo is back and training well. He’s available. We don’t have many options for the starting eleven, but those who are in the squad can start. Rodrygo is an option for the starting eleven, like Arda.’
However, when questioned afterwards about why Rodrygo wasn’t involved, Ancelotti suggested that there was a risk of him suffering another injury.
Ancelotti said: ‘He recovered, but was not feeling well. Putting him on for 6 or 7 minutes, he was only going to get injured.’
Rodrygo has featured prominently for Real this season – he has made 50 appearances across all competitions and has scored 13 goals, while he has provided ten assists.
Rodrygo, who has been linked with City, was an unused substitute as Real lost to Barcelona
Carlo Ancelotti suggested there was a risk of Rodrygo suffering another injury if he featured
In total, during his time at the club Rodrygo has made 267 appearances for Real and has scored 68 goals.
He has won the Champions League twice, LaLiga three times and the Copa del Rey once.
City will be looking to strengthen their squad as they look to regain the Premier League title next season.
