Real’s James Rodriguez out for Madrid derby

Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale and Sergio Ramos are fit to return for Sunday’s derby at Atletico Madrid but James Rodriguez has been ruled out, coach Rafa Benitez said.

“He was hit in the area where he was already injured and therefore is in pain, so he can’t make it to this game. Fortunately Dr. Ulloa from the Colombian National Team and Mr. Pekerman their National coach, are both here in Madrid. They have therefore been given all the information by our doctor so they know the situation and I think things are very clear for them and us. The player is not in a good condition so he can’t play, ” Benitez said at a news conference in Madrid on Saturday (October 3).

Atletico are likely to provide Benitez with his strongest test to date as boss at Real. The Spanish coach said he was confident of his team’s performance.

“We have been training today tactically, analysing a little bit what we want to do, but after it depends on them and how they approach the game, and for us it is always the same. We will try to be strong to control the game, but it depends on them, if they press high or if they wait, then we will have to adapt a little bit but the idea will be the same, try to win the game and that is it,” Benitez said.

Although Diego Simeone’s side have not hit top form, they have the quality to cause problems for Real and will be highly motivated with local bragging rights at stake.

Real’s 4-0 defeat by Atletico at the Calderon last season played a significant part in their decision to ditch former coach Carlo Ancelotti and bring in Benitez, who is considered to be more of a disciplinarian.

Benitez hoped to have players back from the treatment room for the crunch game and was handed a boost with the returns of Bale and Ramos, but Rodriguez has suffered a setback in his recovery from a thigh injury.

“Both of them have trained so if nothing changes they will be part of the squad. However it is early to say if they will be part of the eleven players that will form the team. We will decide that tomorrow,” the coach said.

Benitez has made a steady start as Real coach, but his side will be under pressure to rebound from a 0-0 draw at home to Malaga last weekend.

Injuries to other players have placed an even greater emphasis on Cristiano Ronaldo to deliver.

The Portuguese has responded and became Real’s joint all-time top scorer with a double in a 2-0 win away to Malmo in the Champions League last Wednesday, matching Raul’s total of 323 goals.

“His records are there for everyone to see and they continue to improve,” said Benitez.

“I have congratulated him and hopefully he will continue scoring goals. It is important to see him there in the history of Madrid.”

Real have 14 points from six games, two more than Atletico Madrid and two off leaders Villarreal who are away to Levante on Sunday. Barcelona have 15 points and face Sevilla on Saturday.