Real Madrid won't have James Rodriguez back for Sunday's Madrid derby after all.
The Colombian star, who has been sidelined since September after tearing a thigh muscle while on international duty, was reportedly aiming to return in time for the contest at the Vicente Calderon, but manager Rafa Benitez confirmed Saturday the midfielder suffered a setback.
Benítez: "@jamesdrodriguez took a knock in training to the area where he was injured. He is unable to play.
#RMCity #RMLiga
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) October 3, 2015
Without the 24-year-old available, Benitez could give Mateo Kovacic the start in what's easily one of the fiercest derby matches Europe has to offer.