`Benzema will not play tomorrow, and will continue to practice with Real next week. We will not take risks,` coach Carlo Ancelotti said on March 19 at the pre-match press conference.

Benzema grimaced in pain before leaving the field at the end of the win over Mallorca on March 14.

Benzema is Real’s number one star this season, with 32 goals and 13 assists in all competitions.

Benzema scored twice in the 3-0 win over Mallorca in round 28 of La Liga on March 14.

Ancelotti still has two other strikers, Luka Jovic and Mariano.

`Real can defeat Barca without Benzema,` Ancelotti said.

Real’s final practice session before El Clasico

Real last practice session preparing for El Clasico.

On the other side of the front line, Barca coach Xavi also said that Benzema’s absence does not affect Real’s strength too much.

Ancelotti also confirmed that right-back Ferland Mendy is out for two weeks with a hamstring injury, while Rodrygo – who was also injured in the win over Mallorca – has returned to training and can play in today’s El Clasico match.

Rodrygo and Mendy are both important pieces for Real this season.

Real currently leads La Liga with 66 points, 15 points more than Barca, but has played one more match.