Real Madrid Injury Update: Key Players’ Status Before El Clásico
Real Madrid is preparing for the upcoming El Clásico against Barcelona, but the team will face significant challenges due to several injuries. Coach Xabi Alonso is working to recover key players, although he has confirmed the absences of both David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger for the match.
Injury Updates: Who’s In and Who’s Out
With three days until the highly anticipated match, the squad remains in flux. Here’s a breakdown of player statuses:
- Dean Huijsen: After missing recent matches due to a soleus muscle injury, Huijsen is expected to return. Initially diagnosed with a 12 to 15-day recovery period on October 8, he is hopeful to participate in Sunday’s match against Barcelona.
- Raúl Asencio: After experiencing muscle tightness during a recent game against Juventus, Asencio is not officially injured. Reports indicate he merely suffered from cramps, placing him as a possible starter if Huijsen is unable to play.
- Dani Carvajal: Carvajal continues to recover from a soleus injury sustained during the derbi at the Metropolitano. Although he has resumed training, he is not expected to start against Barcelona.
- Trent Alexander-Arnold: Like Carvajal, Trent is also in doubt due to a hamstring injury. Both players are expected in the squad but not as starters to avoid potential setbacks.
- Dani Ceballos: Ceballos is dealing with muscle issues that compelled him to miss the match against Juventus. A decision on his availability for El Clásico remains uncertain.
- David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger: Both players are confirmed absentees. Rüdiger’s injury occurred during a training session on September 12, and he is projected to return at the end of November or early December. Alaba is also ruled out with a similar timeline.
Coaching Strategies and Options
In light of these injuries, Xabi Alonso is considering various defensive strategies. Options include utilizing Tchouameni in central defense or pairing Asencio with Eder Militao should Huijsen be ruled out.
The stakes are high as Real Madrid approaches this crucial matchup against Barcelona, with both teams vying for a crucial victory. Injury implications could strongly impact the performance and strategy going into the game.
