With just 10 days remaining until Real Madrid takes on Barcelona in this season’s first Clásico (watch LIVE on ESPN+ on Oct. 26 in the U.S.), both LaLiga powerhouses are grappling with several injury issues.
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé and Barcelona striker Lamine Yamal both withdrew from their respective national teams—France and Spain—to return to their clubs during the international break.
Xabi Alonso will face his inaugural Clásico as Real Madrid’s head coach with at least two of his players sidelined, while Barcelona’s Hansi Flick is hopeful about regaining four squad members before their journey to the Bernabéu, though he is already aware of at least five key absences.
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Positive Updates for Mbappé and Mastantuono
As Real Madrid gears up for its LaLiga return, there’s encouraging news: both Mbappé and Franco Mastantuono are set to be included in the squad for the match against Getafe (stream LIVE Sunday at 3 p.m. on ESPN+ in the U.S.).
After a solid victory over Villarreal before the international break, both players experienced health concerns, but sources indicate that their discomfort has since largely diminished.
Mbappé endured a minor sprain to his right ankle while netting the final goal in the 3-1 win against Villarreal. He participated with France, scoring in their 3-0 victory over Azerbaijan, but later withdrew due to discomfort, promptly returning to Madrid to complete his recuperation. With 10 days until the Clásico, Mbappé feels optimistic. Although not fully fit, Alonso is cautious about overexerting his star forward, yet he is anticipated to be available for the Getafe match.
Similarly, Mastantuono had been nursing muscle fatigue, presenting an injury risk with Argentina. He left the Albiceleste training camp without participating in matches and has since returned to Madrid, completing multiple training sessions without issues. The 18-year-old is expected to make the matchday squad against Getafe and should also be available for the clash with Barça.
Huijsen’s Progress Leads to Potential Playtime Against Juventus
Dean Huijsen is still on the mend from a calf muscle injury. He missed Spain’s fixtures against Georgia and Bulgaria, and sources indicate he will also miss Saturday’s trip to the Coliseum. However, there are positive updates on the 20-year-old’s condition.
After being excluded from Spain’s squad, Real Madrid’s medical team ascertained that he would be sidelined for 12 to 15 days. Daily improvements are noted, and there is optimism that he could participate in the UEFA Champions League next Wednesday against Juventus. This would enable Huijsen to possibly feature in the Clásico on October 26 at the Bernabéu.
Availability of Carvajal and Trent for the Clásico
Real Madrid’s right-backs Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold remain key uncertainties for the upcoming match against Barcelona. Both are nearing the end of their rehabilitation phases, and sources have indicated a potential for their participation in the Clásico. Carvajal suffered a calf injury during the derby match against Atlético Madrid, while Trent is recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during the Champions League match against Marseille.
Both players are training “step by step” at Madrid’s Valdebebas training facility, according to sources. While encouraging signs are present, the club is proceeding cautiously with their return to ensure no risks are taken.
The most probable outcome, as per insider information from Valdebebas, is that both will be on the bench against Barcelona but won’t start, due to concerns about possible relapses. Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde is expected to continue filling in at right-back.
Injury Updates on Mendy and Rüdiger
Currently, Real Madrid is contending with the extended absences of Ferland Mendy and Antonio Rüdiger. No specific return date has been confirmed for either defender; however, there are encouraging signs for Mendy, who has recently resumed training with the team and appears to be nearing a comeback.
Mendy sustained an injury during the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona in May and has been sidelined for approximately five months. Last week, he participated in more intense training sessions and is beginning to see potential for a return, although the club is refraining from announcing a specific return date due to prior muscle issues.
Concerning Rüdiger, who sustained a thigh injury on September 12 during pre-match training for the match against Real Sociedad, he’s projected to be out until late November or early December. — Rodra
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BARCELONA
Player Returns Against Girona?
Barcelona is set to welcome back several injured players as they prepare to face Girona next Saturday (watch LIVE at 10:15 a.m. on ESPN+ in the U.S.). Yamal and Fermín López have resumed training with the team and are likely to be included in the squad unless any unexpected issues arise.
Ferran Torres has also returned to Barcelona from the Spanish national team’s camp, where he was managing a minor muscle strain that resulted from overexertion. While the club did not issue him a medical leave, a tailored recovery plan is being implemented to address his fatigue.
Yamal’s Recovery Timeline
Prior to the break, Flick was cautious when asked about Yamal’s availability for the Clásico, stating he could be sidelined for two, three, or even four weeks.
The young forward’s groin injury necessitated rest; he missed Barça’s LaLiga match against Sevilla before the international break and was initially included in Spain’s World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Bulgaria before withdrawing shortly before the matches. While predicting the duration of his absence has proven difficult, sources indicate his progress has been encouraging, with a return to team training already taking place.
The club is keen to avoid rushing Yamal back, with plans for him to gradually regain match fitness against Girona and Olympiacos in Europe on Tuesday, ensuring he is fully prepared for the Clásico.
Injury Updates on Lewandowski and Olmo
Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski will miss the match at the Bernabéu after sustaining injuries while representing their national teams during the international break.
Olmo, who has a calf injury, and Lewandowski, with a torn hamstring, have both been ruled out for the upcoming Clásico, though Flick remains hopeful for their return by mid-November.
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Raphinha’s Availability for the Match Against Real Madrid
Despite challenges related to his hamstring injury incurred against Real Oviedo last month, Barcelona is targeting Raphinha’s availability for the crucial fixture against Real Madrid.
The match against Girona is anticipated to come too early for the Brazil international; the intention is to give him some playtime in the Champions League fixture against Olympiacos to ensure full fitness ahead of the Bernabéu, where he notably scored an unforgettable lob in last season’s 4-0 victory.
Joan García’s Injury Status Ahead of the Clásico
In contrast, Joan García is expected to take longer to recover. Following his injury report 30 days ahead of the Clásico, club sources indicate it is unlikely that he will be fit in time for the Bernabéu clash.
While García continues his recovery, it is believed that the Clásico is approaching too soon for him, making participation highly improbable.
Injury Updates on Gavi and Ter Stegen
The two other significant absences from the squad are Marc-André ter Stegen and Gavi, both awaiting their return to Flick’s plans.
Goalkeeper Ter Stegen is anticipated to overcome his back issues soon, though his return is not expected until 2026. Additionally, with García ahead of him in the pecking order, the club faces uncertainty regarding his role or potential transfer plans during the January window to secure first-team football in preparation for Germany‘s campaign in the FIFA World Cup.
Meanwhile, Gavi, who had knee surgery on September 24, is targeting a return to training by March or April, with hopes of rejoining the team for the closing stages of the season. — Lluís Bou