Real Madrid is set to host Barcelona for this season’s first El Clásico on Sunday. Fans in the U.S. can stream it LIVE at 11:15 AM ET on ESPN+. Both La Liga titans are grappling with numerous injury issues.
Madrid enters the match sitting two points clear at the top of the La Liga table, having played nine games this season, while Barcelona trails closely behind.
Madrid’s head coach Xabi Alonso is hopeful of recovering several key players for his first Clásico at the helm of Los Blancos, though he acknowledges that the match has come too soon for at least two essential defenders.
On the opposite side, Barcelona’s manager Hansi Flick seeks to bring back two players for the trip to Santiago Bernabéu but will have to manage without at least five significant absences.
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Positive Outlook for Huijsen
Dean Huijsen missed Spain‘s encounters against Georgia and Bulgaria, as well as Real Madrid’s match against Getafe due to a calf injury. Sources indicate that he could potentially return to the squad this weekend.
Initially, there were hopes that the center-back could feature in Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League clash against Juventus, but he was ultimately excluded from the squad to avoid further complications. His recovery will be managed carefully to ensure he is prepared for El Clásico.
On October 8, the medical team estimated that the 20-year-old would be sidelined for 12 to 15 days, positioning him on track for a return against Barcelona at the Bernabéu. His condition is reportedly improving, enhancing hopes for his availability on Sunday.
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Asencio Poised for Barcelona Showdown
Raúl Asencio caused a moment of concern for Madrid fans during the last moments of their 1-0 victory over Juventus, leaving the pitch with muscle discomfort. However, a club source confirmed to ESPN that the defender sustained no injury and only experienced cramping.
Given his standout performance in the Champions League, Asencio is now seen as a viable option to partner Éder Militão should Huijsen be unable to play. Additionally, coach Alonso is considering deploying midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni in a central defensive role as another adjustment.
Carvajal, Alexander-Arnold, and Ceballos Updates
Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold remain uncertain for the match against Barcelona. Both players have participated in several training sessions, yet were left out of the Juventus squad.
Carvajal sustained a calf injury during the 5-2 defeat against Atlético Madrid on September 27, while Alexander-Arnold suffered a hamstring injury in the Champions League opener against Marseille 11 days prior. Although both players feel positive about their recovery, the club remains cautious and is not willing to risk their immediate return.
Sources from Valdebebas suggest that both players will likely be included in the squad for the match against Barcelona, but are expected to start from the bench to circumvent the risk of an injury relapse.
Regarding Dani Ceballos, uncertainty remains about his return. Generally, he is anticipated to be part of the squad for the Clásico, but there is no confirmation yet. The midfielder is currently dealing with muscle discomfort and was ruled out for the match against Juventus.
Injuries Impacting Alaba and Rüdiger
Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba have both been ruled out of the upcoming clash with Barcelona. Rüdiger sustained a thigh injury on September 12 during training before the match against Real Sociedad and is expected to return by late November or early December.
Alaba, who made his first La Liga start last week against Getafe, had to exit the game at half-time due to a calf strain and will not be available for the match against Barcelona.
Ferland Mendy, another long-term injury casualty, has recently returned to training with the squad after five months away, but his reintegration into the team will be gradual. — Rodra
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Ferran Torres Cleared to Play
Despite not participating in any training sessions, Flick included Spain forward Ferran Torres in the squad for Tuesday’s Champions League match against Olympiacos. He received medical clearance but did not play in the 6-1 win over the Greek side, yet he will be available for El Clásico.
Raphinha’s Expected Return
Of the seven players currently dealing with injuries in the Barça lineup, two are projected to return in time for the clash at Santiago Bernabéu: Andreas Christensen and Raphinha.
Christensen missed the Olympiacos game due to an illness, and if he shows the expected improvement, he should be available soon. Flick also has high hopes for Raphinha’s return, stating in his pre-Champions League press conference: “He is a crucial player, and we hope to have him back by Sunday.”
Raphinha was injured on September 25 during a 3-1 victory over Real Oviedo. Although it was initially thought he would recover by now, complications in his recovery have delayed his return, yet he too is expected to be included in the match squad heading to Madrid.
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Lewandowski, Olmo, and Joan García Not Available
Two players who will not make the trip to the Bernabéu are Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski, both of whom sustained injuries during international fixtures in October.
Olmo, who has a calf injury, and Lewandowski, suffering from a torn hamstring, will both miss the Clásico. Flick anticipates they could return by mid-November.
Additionally, goalkeeper Joan García is also set to miss out, with reports indicating he will be unavailable for about a month to six weeks due to an injury sustained shortly before the match.
Updates on Gavi and Ter Stegen
Long-term absentees include Marc-André ter Stegen and Gavi, both of whom remain sidelined.
Ter Stegen is grappling with back issues but is not expected to return to action until 2026. With García set to replace him, there are questions about his future with the team, particularly in light of the upcoming January transfer window and Germany’s World Cup campaign.
As for Gavi, he underwent knee surgery on September 24, with the hope that he could return toward the end of the season, expected around March or April. — Lluís Bou