Real Madrid Faces Defensive Concerns Ahead of Sunday’s El Clásico Against Barcelona
Madrid,Spain – Real Madrid will host FC Barcelona at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu this Sunday,October 26th,at 4:15pm CEST (1:15am ET) in a highly anticipated El Clásico clash. The match sees La Liga leaders Real Madrid and their rivals separated by just two points after nine games played, marking Xabi Alonso’s first Clásico as Real Madrid coach against Hansi Flick’s Barcelona. However, Real Madrid enters the match with several key defensive injury concerns.
Real Madrid boasts a strong home record in La Liga, remaining undefeated since April. Their only loss since a 4-3 defeat to Barcelona in May came in a 5-2 defeat against Atlético Madrid in September. Coming off a 1-0 Champions League victory against Juventus on Wednesday, secured by a goal from Jude Bellingham – his first of the 2024/25 season – the team now turns its attention to the domestic showdown.
The biggest blow for Los Blancos is the confirmed absence of German defender antonio Rüdiger, sidelined with a muscle injury expected to keep him out until December. Uncertainty surrounds three other central defensive options: Dean Huijsen, David Alaba, and Raúl Asencio. Huijsen,injured during the international break,is closest to a return. Alaba was substituted against Getafe last weekend, and Asencio limped off during the Juventus match, but neither has been officially ruled out.
Midfielder Dani Ceballos is also a doubt, having participated in training this week, though he is unlikely to start.
Positive news arrives with the return of left-back Ferland Mendy,who made the squad against Juventus and remains available.Both right-back options, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal, have also returned to training without setbacks, though Fede Valverde is expected to continue in that position until they gain match fitness.
Real Madrid’s Expected Lineup vs. FC Barcelona:
* goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
* Defense: Fede Valverde, dean Huijsen, Éder Militão, Álvaro Carreras
* Midfield: Eduardo Camavinga, aurélien Tchouameni
* Attack: Arda Güler, Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé
Coach Alonso appears to have a core eleven in mind, though the exact formation remains a potential surprise. Bellingham and Güler recently paired in midfield against Juventus, with the possibility of one shifting to a wider role alongside Vinícius Júnior. Camavinga and Tchouameni are anticipated to form the central midfield pairing, supporting the attacking quartet.
Franco Mastantuono,Rodrygo Goes,and Brahim Díaz are likely candidates to provide attacking options from the bench,having featured prominently in recent weeks.
