Real Madrid are top of the La Liga table heading into their clash with Osasuna tomorrow (February 21st). Barcelona's slip up against Girona on Monday allowed Los Blancos to take control of the title race with a two-point lead over the Catalans.
Alvaro Arbeloa's side are hitting form at just the right time while their rivals have faltered. They face an Osasuna side who sit 10th but are unbeaten in their last five games.
Madrid already knew they'd be without Jude Bellingham and Eder Militao due to injury. Arbeloa had hoped to have Rodrygo back for the game at El Sadar but he has unfortunately not made it.
Rodrygo ruled out of Osasuna clash
The Brazilian winger sat out the 1-0 win over Benfica in the first-leg of their Champions League play-off on Tuesday. He was suspended for dissent on the matchday of the league phase.
The 25-year-old has been dealing with tendonitis and won't be available against Osasuna. Marca (via Madrid Xtra) reports that he had expected to be back tomorrow but won't make it.
It's a setback for Arbeloa, who will want a fully-fit squad to tackle the La Liga title race and potential Champions League knockout rounds. If his side beat Alessio Lisci's men they will move five points clear of Barca for at least a day.
Hansi Flick's Catalans are in action on Sunday when they face Levante at Camp Nou. The pressure is well and truly on the Blaugrana, who are at risk of squandering the title after leading the table for most of the season.
Rodrygo had bounced back to form this season after a dissapointing FIFA Club World Cup campaign last summer. He has appeared 26 times across competitions, posting three goals and six assists.
Vinicius will be relishing Osasuna trip
Madrid's win over Benfica was marred by allegations of racist abuse. Vinicius Junior scored the winner with a fine strike and danced in celebration near the corner flag at the Estadio da Luz.
This riled up the home fans and their players and Gianluca Prestianni in particular. The Argentine was seen covering his mouth before directing a comment towards Vinicius.
The Brazilian immediately informed the referee that he had been racially abused. The game was paused for 10 minutes due to UEFA's racism protocol.
The fallout from the incident has taken hold of the footballing world with many condemning Prestianni. Jose Mourinho's apparent blame of Vinicius has seen him be called out for "gaslighting" the Madrid man.
Vinicius will want to put the situation to one side when Los Blancos take on Osasuna. He has an excellent record against them, managing eight goals and only Cristiano Ronaldo has a better record in the fixture while wearing Los Merengues colors.