Real Madrid's Karim Benzema will miss Clasico against Barcelona because of injury

Karim Benzema will miss Real Madrid's El Clasico clash with Barcelona on Sunday (stream LIVE at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN+ in the U.S.) with a calf injury.

The forward — who was hurt after scoring twice in Madrid's 3-0 win at Mallorca on Monday — was unable to train with his teammates on Saturday, in their last session before the high-profile fixture.

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Benzema, 34, is LaLiga's top scorer with 22 goals, as well as providing 11 assists, and his absence is a blow for Madrid as they look to close in on the title.

«We never take risks,» coach Carlo Ancelotti said in a news conference on Saturday. «Tomorrow [Benzema] can't play because he hasn't trained, he feels some discomfort. It's a small injury… [Gareth Bale] is one of the alternatives. We have Mariano [Diaz], we have [Luka] Jovic, I've played Isco and Rodrygo there too. There are a lot of options.»

«Karim is 34 years old, it can happen,» he added. «It doesn't worry me, we have two weeks now to work with him. We have time to get him ready for the end of the season, and he'll come back and make the difference like always.»

Madrid go into El Clasico top of the table, 15 points ahead of Barcelona, and have won their past five games in all competitions.

However, Barca's form has also significantly improved under coach Xavi — after a rocky start to the season with predecessor Ronald Koeman — and have not lost in LaLiga since December.

«The identity of [Barcelona] won't change, it never does,» Ancelotti said. «They have a clear style of play. Xavi is doing well. The team has improved a lot and they're in good form