Real Madrid's second training session of the week after returning from Abu Dhabi raised a few eyebrows, as Cristiano Ronaldo was nowhere to be seen.
The Portuguese striker worked with the team's physios ahead of El Clásico for the second straight day, and questions about his fitness for the big game have started to surround Real Madrid's training complex.
The player complained about a calf problem during the Club World Cup final against Gremio on Saturday, but was able to survive the pain in order to lead Los Blancos to their fifth trophy of the year. Nevertheless, his presence in El Clásico could be in doubt if he can't recover in time.
"Benzema joined the group as the team carried out different possession and pressing exercises and played several matches in small spaces. Cristiano Ronaldo worked separately from the group, while Luca also trained alone out on the pitch as he continues his recovery process," the club stated in a report published on their website.
Real Madrid would be handed a massive injury blow if their all-time top scorer missed this game, especially if they want to cut short Barcelona's 11-point lead at the top of La Liga.
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