The Santiago Bernabéu will be the stage as Real Madrid welcomes Barcelona in the season’s initial Clásico this Sunday (stream LIVE at 11:15 a.m. ET on ESPN+ in the U.S.), a match preceded by considerable fitness concerns for both LaLiga powerhouses.
Real Madrid approach this encounter as league leaders, enjoying a slender two-point advantage over the reigning champions, Barcelona. Both squads have contested nine league fixtures thus far.
Real Madrid’s strategist, Xabi Alonso, harbors aspirations of having several pivotal players recuperated for his inaugural Clásico at the helm of Los Blancos. However, he acknowledges that the timing is premature for a minimum of two central defensive figures.
Conversely, Barcelona’s leader, Hansi Flick, anticipates the comeback of a pair of players in anticipation of the journey to the Santiago Bernabéu, while simultaneously grappling with the absence of at least five significant contributors.
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Optimism for Huijsen
Dean Huijsen was absent from Spain’s clashes with Georgia and Bulgaria, along with Real Madrid’s match against Getafe, due to a calf muscle complaint. Nonetheless, sources have indicated to ESPN that his return to the squad this weekend is a distinct possibility.
Earlier in the week, there were inklings that the central defender might secure a few minutes in Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League contest against Juventus, but ultimately, he was not chosen. A source confided in ESPN that Huijsen’s exclusion from the Juve game was orchestrated to afford him respite and mitigate the potential for a recurrence. This calculated approach is designed to optimize his readiness for El Clásico.
On October 8, Real Madrid’s medical personnel concluded that the 20-year-old would be sidelined for a period spanning 12 to 15 days, aligning his prospective comeback with the Barcelona match at the Bernabéu. The defender’s ailment is exhibiting daily enhancement, nurturing optimism regarding his availability this Sunday.
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Asencio will be ready against Barcelona
Raúl Asencio instigated a moment of unease among Real Madrid supporters during the closing stages of the 1-0 victory over Juventus, departing the pitch with muscular discomfort. Nevertheless, a source within the club has communicated to ESPN that the defender has not sustained any injury, and his exit was solely attributed to cramping.
Hence, following his stellar showing in the Champions League, Asencio surfaces as a compelling option to partner Éder Militão this Sunday, contingent on Huijsen’s clearance. Deploying midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni in a central defensive capacity represents another avenue contemplated by Alonso.
Will Carvajal, Alexander-Arnold and Ceballos make it?
Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold remain questionable for Real Madrid’s forthcoming confrontation with Barcelona. Both individuals have engaged in multiple training sessions alongside the squad, but were absent from the roster against Juventus.
Carvajal sustained a calf injury during the 5-2 setback against Atlético Madrid on Sept. 27, while Alexander-Arnold incurred a hamstring strain in the Champions League opener versus Marseille 11 days prior. Irrespective of the encouraging sentiments expressed by both players, the club is advocating a measured approach with both Alexander-Arnold and Carvajal, refraining from precipitating their return.
The prevailing scenario, according to sources privy to the daily proceedings at Valdebebas, suggests that the pair will be named in the squad against Barcelona, although neither is anticipated to feature in the starting lineup, stemming from apprehensions of a potential relapse.
Regarding Dani Ceballos, ambiguity persists surrounding his return. In principle, and according to the club’s perspective, his inclusion in the Clásico squad would be customary, yet assurances remain elusive. The midfielder is contending with muscular discomfort, leading to his exclusion from the Juve encounter.
How long will Alaba and Rudiger be out for?
Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba are definitively ruled out of Real Madrid’s showdown with Barcelona. German center back Rüdiger sustained an injury to his left thigh on Sept. 12 during training preceding the match against Real Sociedad, necessitating a wait until late November or early December for his comeback.
Alaba initiated his inaugural LaLiga start this season against Getafe last weekend, but was withdrawn at halftime due to a calf strain, precluding his participation in the clash against Barcelona.
Ferland Mendy, another long-term injury absentee, ultimately rejoined the squad on Wednesday for the Champions League, although his reintegration into the team will be progressive after a five-month absence. — Rodra
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Ferran Torres gets the green light
In spite of not having participated in any training sessions, Flick incorporated Spain forward Ferran Torres into his squad for Tuesday’s Champions League encounter against Olympiacos. Possessing medical authorization, Ferran abstained from participation in the 6-1 victory over the Greek side, but will be eligible for El Clásico.
Raphinha has high hopes
Among the seven players currently undergoing treatment at Barcelona, two are poised to return in time for the journey to the Santiago Bernabéu: Andreas Christensen and Raphinha.
Denmark defender Christensen was sidelined due to illness against Olympiacos, but contingent on his condition improving as anticipated, he will be available once again during the week. Flick also expresses optimism about relying on winger Raphinha, remarking in his pre-Champions League match press conference: “He represents a pivotal player, and we harbor aspirations of having him back by Sunday.”
The Brazil forward sustained an injury on Sept. 25 during Barcelona’s 3-1 triumph at Real Oviedo. While initial estimates projected his return by this juncture, a complication has arisen in his recovery, impeding his reintegration with the group, although he is also anticipated to be included on Flick’s list for the journey to Madrid.
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Lewandowski, Olmo, Joan García ruled out
Two players who will be unable to make the journey to the Bernabéu are Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski, both having sustained injuries while on international duty during the October recess.
Spain international Olmo, nursing a calf injury, and Poland captain Lewandowski, grappling with a torn hamstring, are both sidelined for the Clásico, although Flick remains optimistic that both will recuperate by mid-November.
Another player whose return will necessitate a slightly more extended timeframe is goalkeeper Joan García. Sources within the club have conveyed to ESPN that subsequent to Barcelona’s notification of the goalkeeper’s injury a mere 30 days preceding the Clásico, forecasting a recovery duration of between one month and one-and-a-half months, the summer acquisition will have to defer his debut in El Clásico.
How long will Gavi and Ter Stegen be out?
The two long-term absentees encompass Marc-André ter Stegen and Gavi, both of whom will have to await their opportunity to be available for Flick’s selection once more.
Ter Stegen is anticipated to surmount his back ailment imminently, although his return to the field is not anticipated until 2026. Furthermore, with García ahead of him in the pecking order, his role within the team remains to be seen, as does the possibility of a move during the January transfer window to secure playing time in preparation for Germany’s FIFA World Cup campaign.
Regarding midfielder Gavi, who underwent knee surgery on Sept. 24, the aspiration is for him to be available for the concluding stretch of the season, rejoining competition in March or April. — Lluís Bou
