Huge blow for Real Madrid as La Liga leaders could be without two key players for El Clasico

Topics: Karim Benzema, Ferland Mendy, Real Madrid, Barcelona, El Clasico, La Liga

Los Blancos take on Barcelona this Sunday, but the Madrid giants could be without two important players when the Blaugrana visit Santiago Bernabeu.

Real Madrid are preparing for a highly-anticipated showdown with bitter rivals Barcelona in La Liga this weekend, and while confidence is at an all-time high at Santiago Bernabeu, Los Blancos have been rocked with two potential blows.

El Clasico is fast approaching, with Ancelotti's first-placed side set to host Xavi's in-form Blaugrana team this Sunday in what should be a crucial tie. Unfortunately, according to Marca, the league leaders could enter this clash without two influential players: Ferland Mendy and Karim Benzema.

Starting with Mendy, he is the one guaranteed to miss the third Clasico of this season. The Frenchman, who sat out Real Madrid's sensational comeback victory over PSG in the UEFA Champions League due to suspension, suffered a small tear in his adductor.

While this should not be a huge concern for the club's season, as they are fighting on both the domestic and European fronts, it is enough to keep him sidelined for Sunday's game against Barcelona. Fortunately for Ancelotti, Nacho, who stepped in for Mendy in the 3-1 triumph over PSG, showed that he is still capable of deputizing despite falling down the pecking order.

As for Benzema, a huge question mark hovers over his fitness. The French superstar picked up a muscular injury in the clash with Mallorca after netting a lovely brace to guide the Merengues to a brilliant 3-0 victory. The 34-year-old is set to undergo medical tests on Friday which should make his availability for El Clasico all the more clearer.

Unlike with the Mendy situation, Real Madrid do not boast a reliable back-up option in Benzema's case. How could they? With eight goals in his last five outings and an additional four assists in as many appearances, the former Lyon forward has established himself as one of the world's best players and is thus irreplaceable.

Ancelotti has already overseen two victories over Barcelona this term, first beating them 2-1 at the Camp Nou back when Ronald Koeman was still in charge before triumphing 3-2 in extra-time in the Spanish Super Cup semifinals. However, the Catalan giants have drastically improved since then, and with Los Blancos possibly having to play without their top scorer, things will be difficult for the hosts.