Real Madrid will temporarily be without Brazilian forward Rodrigo Goes, as he faces both suspension and injury setbacks that could disrupt the club’s immediate fixtures. UEFA handed Rodrigo a two-match ban after he directed “insulting and offensive language” towards a referee, a sanction that will be enforced during Real Madrid’s first two matches of the Champions League play-offs.
In addition to the suspension, Rodrigo has sustained a right hamstring injury, which is expected to sideline him for approximately ten days. Despite this, the club remains optimistic that he will recover in time to participate in the first leg of the play-off against FC Benfica in Lisbon on 18 February. Should recovery proceed as planned, he is also expected to feature in the return leg at Santiago Bernabéu on 26 February.
Rodrigo’s absence extends to La Liga, forcing him to miss the upcoming matches against Valencia and Real Sociedad. Addressing the situation on social media, Rodrigo issued an apology to fans, teammates, and the coaching staff. “Yesterday, in a heat-of-the-moment lapse, I directed inappropriate remarks at the referee, which do not reflect my character. I sincerely apologise to the fans, the club, and my teammates. We will unite once again to fight for this badge in the Champions League,” he wrote.
Rodrigo’s suspension and injury are not the only concerns for Real Madrid. Several key players are also unavailable due to injuries or suspensions, creating potential strategic challenges for the team. The table below summarises the current status of the most notable absentees:
| Player | Position | Issue/Ineligibility | Matches Missed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rodrigo Goes | Forward | Hamstring injury + 2-match ban | Valencia, Real Sociedad |
| Raúl Asensio | Defender | Yellow card | Benfica, Next match |
| Jude Bellingham | Midfielder | Hamstring injury | Undetermined |
| Trent Alexander-Arnold | Defender | Injury | Undetermined |
| Antonio Rüdiger | Defender | Injury | Undetermined |
| Ferland Mendy | Defender | Injury | Undetermined |
| Vinicius Júnior | Forward | 1-match suspension | Next match |
Real Madrid’s coaching and medical staff have confirmed that Rodrigo is on track to recover promptly and will be available for the crucial Champions League tie against Benfica. Nonetheless, his temporary absence, coupled with the ongoing unavailability of several first-team players, presents a significant challenge for Carlo Ancelotti and his squad as they navigate the upcoming fixtures. Strategic rotations and tactical adjustments will likely be essential to maintain competitive performance both domestically and in Europe.
