A Real Madrid player ‘refused’ to play in Sunday’s 4-3 La Liga defeat against Barcelona, according to reports from Spain.
Real Madrid went 2-0 up thanks to Kylian Mbappe’s brace at a shocked Estadi de Montjuïc on Sunday (May 11).
But Barcelona fought back and were 4-2 ahead by half time following an Eric Garcia goal, a sumptuous, curled effort from Lamine Yamal and a double from Raphinha.
Mbappe scored his third of the afternoon on 70 minutes, but it was Barca who triumphed, going seven points clear at the top of La Liga with just three games remaining.
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Los Blancos fielded a strong team, which included Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior and Arda Guler, but one attacker did not feature amid reports that he ‘refused’ to play.
According to MARCA, Brazilian winger Rodrygo told the coaching staff that he “didn't feel strong or up to playing” despite taking part in four training sessions during the week, although his feelings weren’t “particularly good”.
The outlet reports that Carlo Ancelotti still decided to name him in his matchday squad for yesterday’s trip to Catalonia in an attempt to protect the player, although he did not feature.
The 24-year-old was substituted at half time of last month’s Copa del Rey final defeat against Barca and missed the subsequent league match against Celta Vigo on May 4 due to illness.
After yesterday's game, Ancelotti gave his take on Rodrygo's situation, he said: "He had recovered, but he wasn't feeling well. He wasn't at his best. I have no problem with him. He's had a fever and putting him on for five minutes when he's not well has a risk: that he could get injured."
The Brazil international has been linked with a move to the Premier League, with Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City reportedly keen on the player.
And despite Rodrygo registering just six goals and five assists in 30 La Liga appearances this term, there is little doubt about his talent, with his teammate Bellingham even describing him as the club's most talented player back in February.
“Rodrygo, so underrated, you know?” Bellingham said when speaking to CBS Sports Golazo.
“For me, he’s probably the most talented and gifted player in the squad.
“I think the things he can do with the football… We’ll be messing around, and he’ll flick the ball up somehow, and you’re like: 'How’d he do that?' I’m trying to do that.
"I’m twisting my ankles and everything like that. It’s a pleasure to play with both of them.
“You put them in positions where they can affect the games, and they will win it for you."
Topics: Real Madrid, Barcelona, La Liga, Rodrygo, Football, El Clasico, Carlo Ancelotti, Jude Bellingham, Champions League
Luke Davies