Reports emanating from Spain this morning claim thatGonzalo Higuain has failed a last-minute fitness test, and will not start for Real Madrid against Barcelona in tonight’s El Clasico encounter.
The Argentine has been struggling for fitness all week, with coach Jose Mourinho opting to rest him for the Champions League match with Ajax in midweek in order to give him every chance of making a recovery.
It was thought that ‘Pipita’ would be able to take his place in the first eleven, and indeed Mourinho hinted at his side in a press conference last night, with Higuain included as the lone striker.
However, Marca comments that the 22-year-old was subjected to several medical examinations this morning, and they claim it has been confirmed that Higuain is not fit enough to start, and may be forced to settle for a place on the bench.
An alternative would have been the inclusion of Lassana Diarra in midfield, representing a change of formation for Mourinho, but it appears Benzema will be given the jersey. The former Lyon frontman netted an excellent goal in the 4-0 rout of Ajax in the Champions League last Tuesday.
UPDATE: 2015 CET - Benzema has been named in the starting line-up. He will be the lone striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation that will see Angel di Maria, Mesut Oezil and Cristiano Ronaldo play behind him. Sami Khedira and Xabi Alonso will be the two anchormen in midfield.
