No Ronaldo, No Messi: El Clasico to not have football's top-two for the first time in over a decade

For the first time in 11 years, an El Clasico will be played without the top-2 players in the football world. Neither Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Juventus earlier this season, nor Lionel Messi, who injured himself on Saturday, will feature when Real Madrid take on Barcelona in a grand fixture on October 28.

Ronaldo's absence for the biggest fixture on the planet was confirmed in the summer transfer window earlier this year, after he ended his nine-year association with Blancos, signing with Juventus in a move which shook the footballing world.

Though, Messi's absence was only confirmed on Saturday, after he fractured his arm during Barcelona's 4-2 win over Sevilla. During the 17th minute in the blockbuster fixture, he fell down in pain, clutching his arm. He tried to continue, but couldn't and was replaced by Ousmanne Dembele in the 26th minute. 

Real Madrid have had a torrid start to the season, lying 5th in the table after just 14 points from nine matches, which includes three defeats, most recently at home against Levante on Saturday.

As for Barcelona, they are on top of the La liga table, though, have looked well below their best. After nine matches, they have 18 points, but Ernesto Valveder's side have already lost a fixture and drawn three in the league. 

Both Ronaldo and Messi have enjoyed yet another goalscoring start to their campaign. The Portuguese, at his new club, has scored 5 goals and has 4 assists in the 9 Seria A matches. Though, his only appearance with the Turin club in UEFA Champions League saw him getting sent-off.

READ: Luka Modric Speaks Of Bromance With Cristiano Ronaldo, Reveals One Player He Won't Play With

As for Messi, he has been at his utmost best, with seven goals and five assists in nine La liga games. In Champions league, he already has five goals after two matches. Though, the recent injury will not only hamper his progress, but is also expected to affect Barcelona.