Real Madrid star 'chose NOT to play against Barcelona in El Clasico amid Man City interest'

A Real Madrid prima who has been linked with Manchester City reportedly chose not to play successful El Clasico.

The prima was an unused substitute arsenic Real Madrid suffered a 4-3 decision distant to Barcelona, who are present 7 points up of them astatine the apical of LaLiga.

It is claimed that the idiosyncratic wasn't consenting to diagnostic arsenic helium didn't consciousness helium had the vigor oregon authorities of caput to play. He had antecedently been struggling with unwellness but was progressive successful grooming anterior to the fixture.

Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick for Real but it wasn't capable to forestall Barcelona from securing each 3 points.

Eric Garcia and Lamine Yamal got connected the scoresheet for Barcelona, with Raphinha hitting a brace. 

With conscionable 3 games remaining, Real look acceptable to miss retired connected the league title.

Rodrygo, who has been linked with City, chose not to play against Barcelona, arsenic reported by Marca.

The winger has been astatine Real since 2019 but his clip astatine the nine whitethorn soon beryllium coming to an end.

Rodrygo could pull involvement from respective Premier League clubs if helium elects to depart.

It is anticipated that the Brazilian would person replaced Arda Guler successful the starting lineup against Barcelona had helium been astatine his sharpest.

Prior to the crippled Real brag Carlo Ancelotti had suggested that Rodrygo could diagnostic arsenic helium said: 'Rodrygo is backmost and grooming well. He's available. We don't person galore options for the starting eleven, but those who are successful the squad tin start. Rodrygo is an enactment for the starting eleven, similar Arda.'

However, erstwhile questioned afterwards astir wherefore Rodrygo wasn't involved, Ancelotti suggested that determination was a hazard of him suffering different injury.

Ancelotti said: 'He recovered, but was not feeling well. Putting him connected for 6 oregon 7 minutes, helium was lone going to get injured.'

Rodrygo has featured prominently for Real this play - helium has made 50 appearances crossed each competitions and has scored 13 goals, portion helium has provided 10 assists. 

In total, during his clip astatine the nine Rodrygo has made 267 appearances for Real and has scored 68 goals.

He has won the Champions League twice, LaLiga 3 times and the Copa del Rey once.

City volition beryllium looking to fortify their squad arsenic they look to regain the Premier League rubric adjacent season.