Real Madrid defensive mainstay not training due to overload ahead of Barcelona clash | OneFootball

In over 24 hours, Real Madrid will lock horns with their arch-rivals FC Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu.

A win on Sunday night would all but confirm Carlo Ancelotti’s men as La Liga champions as they would stretch their lead atop the table to 11 points.

However, heading into the big game, there appear to be a few fitness concerns for Los Blancos.

Dani Carvajal did not train with the rest of the team on Friday having pulled up with cramps during the Manchester City game earlier in the week, although he is expected to be ready for tomorrow.

Now another player is not participating in the training session just a day away from the match.

Ferland Mendy absent

Indeed, as per journalist Guillermo Rai, Real Madrid defensive mainstay Ferland Mendy is not participating in training with the team today due to an overload in his left leg.

Mendy, 28, has been a permanent fixture in the defensive line for Los Blancos, with manager Ancelotti trusting the Frenchman due to the solidity and security he brings to the table.

Ferland Mendy not in training today. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Even though there were a few games early in the season when he appeared to have lost his place to Fran Garcia, Mendy has fought his way back into the team and is a regular starter.

As such, his absence from training just a day away from the Clasico is a matter of concern for the Merengues.

However, the update from Guillermo Rai states that Real Madrid are not ruling out the Frenchman from the game against Barcelona as of yet.

So, it remains to be seen if he makes a recovery in time for tomorrow’s clash or if Fran Garcia gets his Clasico debut at the Bernabeu.

Meanwhile, the journalist also confirmed that Carvajal was back in training and as was Thibaut Courtois, even though the latter is unlikely to play this season.