Real Madrid risks losing Marcelo to injury ahead of El Clasico

Topics: La Liga, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Marcelo, El Clasico

The Brazilian left-back limped off in Tuesday's Champions League clash with Viktoria Plzen.

Real Madrid is on the verge of losing full-back Marcelo Viera to injury ahead of the dreaded El Clasico this weekend. With four minutes left on the clock in the group-stage game against Plzen, Los Blancos' assistant skipper was forced to leave the game with what seemed to be an ankle injury.

Prior to the 30-year-old defender's premature exit, he put the European champions in a safe zone by finishing off an assist from Gareth Bale in the 55th-minute. In the Brazilian's brief absence, the hosts were nearly placed in an uncomfortable situation by the invigorated visitors who had pulled a goal back 12 minutes away from full-time. The 2-1 win subsequently pushed Real Madrid to second place behind AS Roma who cruised to a 3-0 win against CSKA Moscow.

Cool as you like.

Marcelo makes it 2-0 to Los Galacticos.
#RMACVP
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— Kick Off (@KickOffMagazine) October 23, 2018

Although the extent of Marcelo's injury is yet to be determined, fans of the Merengues are already concerned with El Clasico just four days away. The left-back has consistently proved to be a standout performer amid his team's recent struggles.

With Carvajal also out injured, Julen Lopetegui is faced with a mammoth test to get his best men to deal with the attacking threat of league leaders Barcelona. Currently, the 52-year-old manager does not have a left-back on his roster to fill the void. As seen in recent times, he has entrusted Nacho with the role and while the center-back yet to impress, many are wondering how he will line up on Sunday.

On the other hand, Barcelona will also have to deal with the absence of Lionel Messi while the club welcomes it fiercest rivals to the Camp Nou. The Blaugrana ruled their skipper out for three weeks after he suffered an injury to his elbow during the weekend's 4-2 win over Sevilla.